Niger’s military leader, alongside the junta chiefs from Mali and Burkina Faso, announced their decisive break from the West African bloc, Ecowas.
Meeting together for the first time, the leaders aim to solidify their alliance in response to regional opposition. Coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from 2020 to 2023 have brought these nations together, forming the Alliance of Sahel States. Jihadist violence has heavily impacted all three countries, contributing to the military takeovers.
In January, these nations announced their intent to leave Ecowas, which is holding a summit on Sunday. Speaking at a meeting in Niamey, Niger’s capital, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani emphasized their desire to build a community of sovereign peoples independent of foreign powers. He envisions a community rooted in African values, focused on peace, solidarity, and prosperity.
Gen Tchiani hosted the talks with Burkina Faso’s Capt Ibrahim Traoré and Mali’s Col Assimi Goïta. Capt Traoré expressed their shared goal of achieving true independence, condemning the ongoing exploitation by imperialists. He criticized the imperialist view of Africa as a domain of slaves.
Security cooperation is a top priority for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), but the alliance also seeks closer economic ties, including creating a common currency. This move would reject the France-backed CFA Franc, widely used in the region. All three countries have expelled French troops involved in anti-jihadist missions and have turned to Russia for military support.
The rhetoric from the junta leaders strongly advocates for greater sovereignty and a rejection of former colonial powers. They have resisted Ecowas’s calls for a swift return to civilian rule.
Capt Traoré received a warm welcome in Niamey, with crowds waving Nigerien and Burkinabé flags. Among the supporters was Sidi Mohamed, head of the National Youth Council, who expressed pride in seeing an African summit focused on self-reliance and development without foreign interference.
Col Goïta arrived on Saturday to join the talks. The wider West African bloc will respond at a heads of state meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, where they plan to announce the activation of a standby force to combat regional insecurity.
The Sahel region has become a hotspot for Islamic State militant activity over the past decade, leading to increased instability and insecurity.
