West Africa’s Shifting Alliances

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently gathered in Abuja, Nigeria, for a crucial summit. This meeting came at a pivotal time, as the regional bloc faces significant internal challenges. The most pressing issue is the formal withdrawal of three key member states: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Their departure is reshaping the political and economic landscape of West Africa, creating both uncertainty and new opportunities for regional cooperation.

This summit also marked a leadership transition for ECOWAS. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had served as the bloc’s chairman, was preparing to step down. His tenure was characterized by strong rhetoric against military coups and a call for deeper regional integration. However, his efforts yielded mixed results, including an abandoned plan for military intervention in Niger. The new leader will inherit an organization grappling with strained relationships and the complex process of formalizing the exit of the Sahelian nations.

The Shifting Sands of West African Unity

The Economic Community of West African States, known as ECOWAS, was founded in 1975. Its original goal was to boost economic growth, trade, and cooperation among its member countries. Over the years, ECOWAS expanded its mission to include political and security goals. This evolution was necessary to address the changing challenges in West Africa (The Conversation).

On January 29, 2025, the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS became effective. This decision followed their announcement in January 2024 that they intended to leave the bloc (Reuters). Before their official exit, ECOWAS had given these three countries a six-month grace period in December to reconsider their decision (Reuters). Despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS has expressed a desire to maintain ties with these nations. The bloc tentatively agreed to keep its doors open by recognizing national passports and identity documents bearing the ECOWAS logo from the three countries (Reuters). Furthermore, ECOWAS aims to continue trade under existing regional agreements and maintain diplomatic cooperation (Reuters).

In response to their departure from ECOWAS, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formed their own alternative bloc called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This new alliance is understood to be a security and economic partnership that challenges the traditional role of ECOWAS in the region (D+C – Development + Cooperation). The AES has also launched its own biometric passports, signaling a move towards greater autonomy (Reuters). The formation of AES highlights a significant shift in regional dynamics, as these nations seek to forge new paths for cooperation and security in the Sahel.

A Deepening Rift: Sanctions and Sovereignty

The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS was largely driven by their dissatisfaction with the bloc’s response to military coups in their countries (D+C – Development + Cooperation). ECOWAS has a firm policy against unconstitutional changes of government and actively promotes democratic rule. When military takeovers occurred in these nations, ECOWAS responded by imposing sanctions. These measures were designed to pressure the military regimes to restore civilian governance.

The specific details of the sanctions varied for each country, but they generally aimed to isolate the military governments and encourage a return to democracy. For instance, following the 2023 coup in Niger, ECOWAS demanded the restoration of democratic rule and even threatened military intervention (Washington Post). This strong stance, while intended to uphold democratic principles, was perceived by the junta-led states as an overreach and a violation of their sovereignty. The sanctions, which included economic and travel restrictions, had significant impacts on these nations, further fueling their decision to leave the bloc (Reuters).

It is important to note that while ECOWAS now strongly opposes coups, the organization’s history is complex. In fact, seven of ECOWAS’s founding leaders had initially come to power through coups themselves (The Conversation). However, over time, the bloc expanded its mandate to include political and security objectives, emphasizing democratic governance. The recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, along with their subsequent suspensions from ECOWAS, highlight the ongoing tension between the bloc’s commitment to democracy and the internal political realities of some member states. This situation is further complicated by the fact that other ECOWAS members have also experienced military coups, leading to their suspension from the bloc (Washington Post).

Economic Currents: Trade, Currency, and New Paths

The departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS brings complex economic implications, especially concerning currency and trade. All three nations are members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), a largely Francophone organization. A key feature of WAEMU is its use of the CFA franc currency, which is pegged to the euro (CNBC). This currency arrangement links their economies closely to the eurozone and has been a subject of debate regarding economic sovereignty.

The situation regarding WAEMU membership is not uniform among the departing nations. Mali has stated it will not leave WAEMU, while Burkina Faso is considering its options (CNBC). This difference adds a layer of complexity to their collective economic separation from ECOWAS. Even as they leave ECOWAS, the continued use of the CFA franc and membership in WAEMU means that their economic ties to the broader region and to France remain significant. The economic consequences of a potential WAEMU departure for Burkina Faso, particularly concerning currency stability and trade, are substantial and could lead to further economic shifts in the region.

Looking ahead, it is expected that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will likely depend on their extractive sectors to boost their economies (CNBC). These sectors, which often involve mining and natural resources, could become central to their economic strategies outside of ECOWAS. Despite the formal withdrawal, ECOWAS has expressed its intention to continue trade with these countries under existing regional agreements (Reuters). This suggests a desire to maintain some level of economic integration, even as political ties are strained. The economic future of these nations will depend on how they navigate these complex relationships and leverage their own resources.

ECOWAS and AES: A Tale of Two Blocs

Security Challenges and New Alliances

The departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS presents a significant challenge for the bloc, which is already dealing with serious internal issues. One of the most pressing concerns is the surge in jihadist violence across the Sahel region, including in the three departing nations and Nigeria (Reuters). This violence has destabilized communities, displaced millions, and strained government resources. The fight against these extremist groups requires strong regional cooperation, making the current rift even more concerning.

The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by the three withdrawing nations raises questions about the future of regional security cooperation. The AES is actively challenging the traditional role of ECOWAS in security matters (The Conversation). While the AES aims to address security threats within its member states, it also faces rising security challenges and has received criticism for its tactics (The Conversation). The way countries in both the ECOWAS and AES blocs manage their security strategies and relationships will be crucial. Their decisions will shape the future of governance, stability, and cooperation in the Sahel, a region vital to the broader African continent.

The potential for a fragmented approach to security could create dangerous gaps in the fight against terrorism and other transnational crimes. Historically, ECOWAS has played a role in peacekeeping and conflict resolution. The absence of these three nations from ECOWAS’s security framework could weaken collective efforts, potentially allowing extremist groups to exploit new vulnerabilities. Therefore, finding ways for both blocs to coordinate, even indirectly, on security matters will be essential for the well-being of the region’s people.

Key Dates in the ECOWAS-Sahel Rift

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.