In a fresh move to prevent further fragmentation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been appointed as the envoy to engage with the military leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
This decision was made during the bloc’s summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday.
The move follows the formalization of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) during the weekend. The leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have formalized their cooperation through a treaty signed in Niamey, Niger’s capital. This new confederation is aimed at strengthening political and economic ties among these countries, which have experienced military coups and significant political instability.
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After formalizing their alliance on Saturday, the junta leaders from the three nations firmly rejected the notion of rejoining ECOWAS. This decision is seen as a significant setback for the regional bloc, which has been striving to restore democratic governance and curb the spread of violence in West Africa.
The leaders accused ECOWAS of failing its mandate and being influenced by non-African powers. They emphasized their commitment to consolidating their union under the AES, which they view as a more sovereign and effective regional organization.
Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, was particularly vocal, describing ECOWAS as a threat to their states. He advocated for the AES as a people’s alliance that operates independently of foreign influences.
“We are going to create an AES of the peoples, instead of an ECOWAS whose directives and instructions are dictated to it by powers that are foreign to Africa,” Tchiani stated.
He called for the AES to be a sovereign community that stands as a credible alternative to existing regional groupings.
Compounded by ECOWAS Sanctions and Threats of Military Action
The situation escalated when ECOWAS decided to impose sanctions on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso following their respective military coups. These sanctions, which included economic restrictions and travel bans, aimed to pressure the junta leaders into restoring civilian governance.
However, rather than yielding positive results, the sanctions have deepened the rift between the military regimes and the regional bloc. ECOWAS even went as far as to threaten military action against the three countries if they did not comply with demands to return to democratic rule, further straining relations.
The withdrawal of these three countries from ECOWAS has deepened the divisions within the organization. ECOWAS, recognized as the primary political authority among its 15 member states, now faces unprecedented challenges. The decisions made by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso highlight a critical juncture for the bloc, as it attempts to navigate these internal fractures.
The Role of President Faye
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s recent election is believed to make him a unique and strategic choice for this delicate negotiation. Unlike other ECOWAS leaders, he was not involved in the imposition of sanctions or the threats of military intervention, positioning him as a party, with whom the military leaders hold no grudge. It is believed that his fresh mandate and lack of direct involvement in the punitive measures against the three nations give him a potential advantage in fostering dialogue and rebuilding trust.
Agreements and Leadership within AES
The leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have signed agreements covering non-aggression in security matters and cooperation in economic, monetary, and social domains. Under the new arrangement, Mali will assume the presidency of the AES for the first year, while Burkina Faso will host the organization’s parliamentary summit.
The tri-country meeting and the formation of the AES occurred just a day before an ECOWAS summit in Nigeria, where regional heads of state are scheduled to convene. The challenge for ECOWAS now lies in addressing the concerns of the departing nations and finding a way to maintain unity and cooperation within the region.
Despite the strategic appointment of President Faye, analysts believe the move is likely to face significant challenges. This is because the junta leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso appear resolute in their decision to forge their own path, independent of ECOWAS. Also, their commitment to the AES and the rhetoric from their leaders suggest a strong desire to create a new framework for regional cooperation that is free from what they perceive as external manipulation.
However, Faye’s mission to persuade the military leaders to reconsider their stance on ECOWAS membership will be crucial in determining the future stability and integration of West Africa. Many believe that the outcome of his diplomatic efforts could either pave the way for renewed regional cooperation or cement the schism, leading to a more fragmented and potentially unstable geopolitical landscape in the Sahel region.