AES: In the face of ECOWAS maneuvers, member states are called to resilience
The recent visit of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, also the current President of ECOWAS, to meet with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Paris, has sparked intense speculation. Against the backdrop of tensions between the Sahel States Confederation (AES) and ECOWAS, this meeting raises questions about potential strategic decisions that could impact the future of the AES.
Since the announcement of the withdrawal of AES member countries from ECOWAS, a move that will take effect at the end of January 2025, relations between the two blocs have remained strained. The AES countries, consisting of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, have committed to a break with neocolonial structures. This desire for sovereignty seems incompatible with policies often perceived as being imposed by ECOWAS under the influence of external actors, particularly France.
Every meeting between ECOWAS officials and the French President is viewed with suspicion, especially among the public. Recent history shows that these exchanges rarely lead to decisions favorable to countries seeking sovereignty. This situation justifies the call for AES countries and their populations to anticipate all possible scenarios.
The upcoming ECOWAS meeting on December 15 could prove to be a turning point. AES countries must remain vigilant in the face of potential resolutions from the regional organization that might seek to undermine their emancipation project. To achieve this, the AES must continue to rely on its resilience and internal solidarity, while strengthening its mechanisms for economic, security, and diplomatic cooperation.
Beyond the immediate stakes, this critical period highlights the importance for the AES to continue its path toward full sovereignty. In a global context marked by complex power struggles, the Confederation must focus on its strategic objectives: independence, security, and sustainable development. By remaining resilient and united, AES states will demonstrate that they are ready to face challenges while remaining masters of their own destiny.
