Withdrawal of AES Member Countries from ECOWAS : Thousands of Jubilant Protesters in the Streets
Supporters of the Alliance Of Sahel States (AES) hold up flags as they celebrate Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Niamey on January 28, 2024. (Photo by Boureima HAMA / AFP)
As soon as the joint announcement of the withdrawal from ECOWAS by the member countries of the Alliance of Sahel States AES was broadcast on the respective national channels of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the population of Niger, especially in Niamey, like in other member countries, came out massively to celebrate this courageous decision at the Place de la Concertation.
This long-awaited decision by the Sahel people has strengthened the patriotic spirit of the three AES countries, proud of their self-determination. For the people of the three countries, the historic date of January 28 will be engraved in the annals of history. A decision made possible by the determination of these peoples and the vision of the three Heads of State, namely Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani, Colonel Hassimi Goïta, and Captain Ibrahim Traoré. This spontaneous gathering of young people, men, women, and the elderly expresses their commitment to accompany the three Heads of State in implementing this decision. To the rhythm of songs, music, vuvuzelas, the demonstrators show their firm determination to face the cold until late in the evening.
Mrs. Haoua Moumouni, a member of engaged women, is one of the protesters at the Place de la Concertation. « I came to this place to express my joy and that of the Nigerian women for this historic decision to leave this ‘’satanic organization’’that has done us so much harm. This exit from ECOWAS symbolizes the removal of a thorn in the side of these three countries. We implore Allah that this decision be the voice that will lead us to progress and development for our countries », she wished. « This day is historic for all patriots, and we encourage the people of Niger to unite around their authorities. We call on the women of the AES countries to unite their strength around the ideals of peace, freedom, and the autonomy of the region », urged Mrs. Haoua Moumouni.
Mr. Belko Abdouraharame is another citizen found at the demonstration. « We thank Allah for facilitating us to see this historic day. We thank our authorities for this courage and audacity. Our joy is immense, and we have no words to express it. We have never had such great joy since the advent of the CNSP », he declared. « This sub-regional organization has never respected our rights. Its only language is that of violence, sanction, and the humiliation of others without measuring the consequences on innocent people. Today, thank God, it can do nothing against us »,  he assured.
