Sahel: Is the AES heading toward a final break with ECOWAS?
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the founding members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), are continuing their push for autonomy from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). As part of this effort, the three countries are actively working on the creation of new travel and identity documents to replace those issued under ECOWAS.
This initiative stems from the AES governments’ desire to break away from regional structures that they believe no longer align with their aspirations for sovereignty and independence. The creation of these new documents represents a significant step in the alliance’s emancipation and in strengthening their cooperation.
These upcoming identity and travel documents will not only reflect the unique identity of the Sahel states but also embody the new political and economic direction of the alliance. They will symbolize a break from the existing institutional framework and a vision geared toward a more pronounced regional autonomy.
The Alliance of Sahel States is thus demonstrating its determination to forge a path distinct from that of current regional organizations, with national sovereignty and self-determination at the forefront of its priorities.
