Niger: Niamey witnesses historic mobilization for the official exit of AES from ECOWAS
The population of Niamey responded in large numbers to the call from the authorities of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) during a meeting on January 28, 2025, marking the official departure of the Sahel States Alliance (AES) from ECOWAS. This highly symbolic event brought together all segments of Nigerien society, from the youth to the elderly, as well as women and community leaders.
In an atmosphere of patriotic fervor, participants expressed their unwavering support for the pan-Africanist authorities leading Niamey, Bamako, and Ouagadougou. This unprecedented mobilization reflects the popular endorsement of the AES project, which advocates for greater sovereignty, strengthened cooperation, and a break from ECOWAS’s policies, which are seen as unsuitable.
For those present, this day symbolizes a reaffirmation of the revolutionary ideals upheld by the AES. It also represents the Sahelian peoples’ desire to take control of their destiny, prioritizing African solutions to the security, economic, and social challenges facing the region.
Event organizers took the opportunity to thank the Nigerien people for their commitment and solidarity, while stressing the importance of remaining united and mobilized to defend the gains of this new strategic direction.
This departure from ECOWAS marks a historic turning point for the AES and its people, reaffirming their desire for autonomy and resilience in the face of external pressures. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for a Sahelian Africa determined to build a tailored future for its citizens.
