The ECOWAS Heads of State Summit will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria. The meeting will mainly focus on ratifying the withdrawal of Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso from the sub-regional organisation.
The three countries already announced the formation of another bloc called the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES), meaning Alliance of Sahel States (ASS).
Political experts believe that the ECOWAS has suffered in recent months from the exit of the three Sahel countries, which has had negative economic consequences for the organisation, including a budget deficit that has jeopardised vital projects of the Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE).
According to economic expert, Luka Malle, the Economic Community of West African States has completely lost its legitimacy due to the decision to impose unfair economic sanctions against Mali in 2022, as well as attempts at military intervention in Niger Republic following the military coup and overthrow of former President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
“It’s true that unity is Africa’s strength, but ECOWAS has completely discredited itself by raising its voice against its founding members when necessary, and let’s not forget that ECOWAS attempted military intervention in Niger,” added the expert.
Following the military coup in Niamey, the economic bloc considered military intervention in Niger. On July 30, 2023, ECOWAS declared its readiness to “take all necessary measures to ensure the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of the Niger” and specified that “such measures may include the use of force.”
ECOWAS is not giving up hope of bringing Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger back into its fold. However, it should be noted that the AES countries have distanced themselves from France’s influence on their internal affairs. The economic bloc, for its part, remains an organisation that is often criticised for being too attached to the French point of view.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso do not intend to deviate from the course set out, which is based on the pursuit of true sovereignty, both in terms of security and monetary policy. In this context, Malle is of the opinion that the AES countries should not be expected to remain within ECOWAS fold.