Nigeria: The West African leaders’ summit opened in Abuja, Nigeria, just after the military rulers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have forged a new alliance, effectively severing ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Several West African leaders advocate for a renewed dialogue with the three Sahel countries, which had signed the new defence pact in Niamey, Niger’s capital. The pact, known as the Alliance of Sahel States, was initially announced in September. It enables Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to collaborate in the face of armed rebellion or external aggression. These countries withdrew from ECOWAS in January due to the regional bloc’s firm stance against the coups in their nations.
During the Abuja summit, Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tchiani criticised ECOWAS, calling the 50-year-old organisation ‘a threat to our states.’ He emphasised the alliance’s goal of creating a coalition, free from foreign influence.
Despite ECOWAS lifting sanctions on Niger in February to repair relations, there was only minimal progress seen. The sanctions were initially imposed following the July 2023 coup that brought Tchiani to power.
As the Sahel region increasingly aligns with Russia, the United States is set to complete its withdrawal from a key base in Niger. About 1,000 US military personnel are scheduled to leave Niger’s Air Base 101, which was built to combat armed groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).
Following the coups, the breakaway countries have experienced strained relations with the West, particularly condemning the influence of former colonial ruler France. French troops withdrew from Mali in 2022 and completed their exit from Niger and Burkina Faso last year.
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