Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have officially exited Ecowas amid long-standing tensions, initiating ‘Sahelexit’ as they establish the Alliance of Sahel States for enhanced security and cooperation. The nations plan a joint military force and a shared passport system while addressing economic impacts from their departure and potential trade route alterations.

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) as of Wednesday, which is a culmination of long-standing tensions impacting trade routes across the Sahel region. This movement, referred to as “Sahelexit,” was initiated last year by military leaders of these nations and is now being enacted legally.

In an effort to enhance security cooperation among themselves, the three nations are forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and plan to establish a unified military force of 5,000 troops to combat terrorism. Additionally, they intend to implement a shared passport system to facilitate free movement within their territories.

Foreign ministers from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso convened in Ouagadougou to finalize their exit from Ecowas and emphasized a comprehensive negotiation strategy in line with the AES framework. They expressed a keen interest in maintaining a dialogue with Ecowas to address the regional populations’ concerns.

Sociologist Komi Amewunou noted that this exit is not only final but logical, indicating that these Sahel states see Ecowas as influenced by foreign powers. He articulated that citizens feel unsafe remaining allied with an organization perceived as lacking autonomy, particularly given the escalating security crisis in the Sahel.

The three nations’ military coups between 2020 and 2023 triggered Ecowas’s imposition of severe economic sanctions, which prompted the juntas to seek alternate trade routes. However, their exit poses logistical and economic hurdles, especially since 80% of Niger’s freight had previously relied on Benin’s port before relations soured.

Even as Ecowas has lifted sanctions, Niger has opted not to reopen its border with Benin due to security concerns regarding jihadist groups. This action signifies the ongoing tensions impacting trade with neighboring countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, where Abidjan’s port also experienced a decline in freight.

Togo and Guinea are cultivating favorable relations with AES, enhancing the significance of the ports of Lomé and Conakry as critical transit points. The withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso not only reshapes regional politics but also has a profound economic impact, diminishing Ecowas’s population by 16% and reducing its GDP by 7%.

The Sahel region, which encompasses Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has faced escalating insecurity and instability, significantly influenced by foreign interventions and local governance issues. The relationship between these countries and Ecowas has deteriorated due to a lack of perceived autonomy from foreign powers, particularly after military coups that led to increased scrutiny and sanctions from Ecowas. As these nations seek to establish greater regional stability through the AES, their exit from Ecowas illustrates a shift in alliances and priorities among West African states.

The recent withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from Ecowas marks a pivotal moment in West African politics, reflecting heightened tensions and security concerns in the Sahel. The formation of the AES will facilitate stronger military cooperation among these nations, while their exit threatens to disrupt established trade routes and economic stability within the region. This realignment could signal a broader trend of nations reevaluating their regional affiliations in response to external influences and domestic insecurities.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr

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