For several years now, something more important has been happening on the political scene in the West African region. It is the breakdown of dehumanizing colonial agreements and the rise of disapproval of French imperialism in the region, at the forefront, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). As an expert in the geopolitics of governance and regional integration, it is important for us to take a close look at the resolution of the most anticipated first-ever summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), held on July 6, 2024 in Niamey, Niger. This historic summit, which brought together the transitional leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, aims to realize the Confederation of Sahel States (CES), a regional cooperation project aimed at strengthening the autonomy and resilience of these nations.
The break with ECOWAS marks a new era of sovereignty for the three nations, which aspire to strengthened independence far from the influence of former colonial powers. AES leaders are therefore working to pool their resources in key sectors, such as agriculture and security, to face economic and security challenges, including the jihadist threat. This summit is therefore seen as a giant step towards the stabilization of the region and the consolidation of their regional sovereignty. The creation of the AES on September 16, 2023, which sparked growing international interest, could redefine relations with Western powers, while paving the way for new strategic partnerships with global players like Russia and China. BRICS Alliance. The commitment of the three States to this process demonstrates their ability to navigate complex geopolitical contexts and contribute to the redefinition of regional and international alliances. Thus aligning with the objectives of creating the Alliance, the impact of this summit on the international scene should not be underestimated. This is a bold move aimed at redefining the balance of power and paving the way for new strategic partnerships, particularly with actors such as Russia and China.
Context and objectives of the summit of the Alliance of Sahel States
The long-awaited first summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was held in Niamey, the capital of Niger, on July 6, 2024. This summit brought together the transitional presidents of the three AES member countries: Colonel Assimi Goïta of Mali, Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, and General Abdourahamane Tiani from Niger. The main objective of this summit is to define the legal form and operationalization of the Confederation of Sahel States. In February 2024, a ministerial meeting in Ouagadougou had already made it possible to revise the Alliance Charter and to develop a treaty on the creation of a Confederation bringing together these three countries. The experts then reflected on subjects of common interest for the people of the three States and formulated proposals for an effective institutional architecture for the AES.
Regional geopolitical issues at the summit of the Alliance of Sahel States
On January 28, 2024, the three member countries of the AES jointly announced their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which they accuse of being exploited by France, their former colonial power. This decision de facto marks a significant break with the rest of the West African bloc. General Abdourahamane Tiani said the people of the three countries had “irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS”. This rupture is also symbolized by the economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS after the coup in Niger on July 26, 2023, which were lifted on February 24, 2024 but left relations strained between the two entities. The AES member countries are therefore working together to pool their resources in several strategic sectors such as security, agriculture, water, energy and transport. This cooperation aims to strengthen their autonomy and resilience in the face of persistent economic and security challenges.
Regional and international geostrategic issues of the summit of the Alliance of Sahel States
One of the major challenges for the AES member countries is the fight against jihadist groups operating in the region. On March 7, 2024, they formed a joint force to combat these threats. The pooling of military and security resources is therefore crucial to stabilize this region plagued by endemic violence that we have well documented in a previous article. The summit also aims to strengthen regional sovereignty by building a community far removed from “the control of foreign powers”, particularly that of France. This reflects a growing desire among these three nations to reduce their dependence on the former colonial powers and other influential international actors, the United States.
Regional and international geopolitical issues at the summit of the Alliance of Sahel States
The summit resolution on the creation of the confederation of Alliance countries could have several regional and international implications. Former colonial powers like France could perceive this initiative as a direct challenge to their historical influence in the region. ECOWAS will have to adapt its strategy to this new geopolitical reality. A summit planned in Abuja will likely discuss relations with the AES. The AES could seek to establish or strengthen its partnerships with other international actors such as Russia or China of the multipolar BRICS Alliance, which have shown growing interest in Africa.
In light of the above, we can deduce that this very first summit of the Alliance of Sahel States on July 6, 2024 marks a significant turning point in regional and international dynamics. By formalizing their confederation, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger seek not only to strengthen their internal cooperation but also to assert their independence vis-à-vis external influences perceived as harmful. The geopolitical and geostrategic issues are numerous, ranging from the fight against terrorism to the redefinition of regional and international alliances. It (summit) therefore reflects the commitment of the three transitional presidents to strengthening regional cooperation and state sovereignty, while being at the forefront of current geopolitical and geostrategic issues. The break with ECOWAS, initiated by the AES member countries, marks a major strategic change that they were able to anticipate and integrate into their vision of cooperation. Furthermore, the pooling of military and security resources against the jihadist threat demonstrates their ability to establish regional stability.
In a global context punctuated by the return of the military state, which implies the return of the state of war on the world stage, the world is so chaotic and so dangerous. Multipolarism has a bright future.
Mohamed Lamine KABA – Expert in geopolitics of governance and regional integration, Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, Pan-African University, especially for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”.