From Françafrique to AES: The Evolving Landscape of West African Politics”

For more than a decade, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have faced relentless terrorist attacks and cycles of violence, undermining stability in the region.

The desertion of these countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29 marks a pivotal moment, reflecting a significant change in their priorities.

In response to years of instability and insecurity, these nations have turned to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), or Alliance des États du Sahel (AES), as a symbol of cooperation, sovereignty, and progress.

This decision signals the beginning of a new phase in West African geopolitics.

ECOWAS, despite its mandate to foster peace, security, and economic integration, has struggled to effectively address the crises in these countries.

Measures like economic sanctions and military intervention threats have often exacerbated tensions rather than resolving them.

This failure has eroded trust in ECOWAS as a reliable force for regional stability.

In contrast, the formation of the AES represents a decisive step toward reclaiming control and promoting stability in the Sahel region.

Early successes, such as improved coordination and joint military operations, have already helped restore peace in areas once controlled by extremist groups.

These achievements stand in stark contrast to the limited impact of France’s decade-long military presence in the region.

A key motivator behind the creation of the AES is the rejection of colonial-era systems and external influences that continue to shape governance and the economy in West Africa.

ECOWAS’s ties to former colonial powers, particularly France, have become a point of frustration for many African leaders and citizens.

An example is the use of the CFA franc—a currency still tied to French monetary policies—remains a major obstacle to true economic independence.

For AES member states, financial sovereignty is a core objective, reflecting their broader goals of self-determination and regional progress.

Discussions about introducing a new regional currency to replace the CFA franc underscore these aspirations, signaling a move away from colonial-era frameworks and toward sustainable economic growth.

The push for a new economic model reflects a growing consensus in West Africa that the region must prioritize its own interests, rather than frameworks shaped by external powers.

The AES is at the forefront of this shift, providing an alternative vision of regional cooperation that is centered on African priorities.

In recent years, Criticism of ECOWAS has grown with many accusing the organization of failing to fulfill its mandate.

Policies that seem to serve France’s interests rather than those of the member states have led to measures like embargoes and threats of military intervention, alienating countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

This growing perception of ECOWAS as a tool of former colonial powers has undermined its credibility among West Africans.

In contrast, the AES offers a fresh approach to regional cooperation, one that is grounded in practical solutions to pressing issues like security.

The AES’s successes in combating terrorism and stabilizing conflict zones demonstrate the effectiveness of collective action led by local leadership.

This new approach has inspired confidence not only among its members but also among other countries in the region, who view the AES as a model for achieving real,palpable results.

The implications of the AES’s success extend beyond security concerns.

By prioritizing initiatives that directly benefit member states, the AES creates a framework that could attract new partners and expand its influence.

This reflects a broader trend in West Africa toward locally driven solutions that emphasize sovereignty and self-reliance, moving away from dependency on external powers.

As Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have exited ECOWAS, the organization now faces a critical juncture. To regain its standing, ECOWAS must refocus on the priorities of its member states, moving away from external influences.

This will require both structural changes and a renewed commitment to addressing the genuine needs of West African nations.

The departure of these three countries signals a deeper transformation in the region’s trajectory. It marks a rejection of obsolete systems and a daring step toward a future defined by sovereignty, collaboration, and self-determination. The AES, with its emphasis on practical solutions and regional solidarity, offers a gripping vision for what West African cooperation can achieve when freed from the constraints of colonial legacies.

The AES stands as a viable alternative to ECOWAS, prioritizing regional integration and local sovereignty. While ECOWAS remains influenced by France and its resource-driven agenda, the AES fosters independence and tangible progress.

The departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso represents an irreversible step toward true sovereignty, revealing the limitations of ECOWAS’s externally influenced strategies.

ECOWAS’s failures in addressing security challenges, coupled with its reliance on punitive measures like embargoes and military interventions, have exposed its inefficiency.

In contrast, the AES has taken a more proactive approach to countering terrorism and ensuring regional stability, yielding far more concrete results.