The West African region is a focal point of African democracy, economic development, and security transformation as one of the continent’s most organised regions. West Africa has a community organisation called the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In recent years, the Sahel region has faced a series of challenges, including protests, coups, insecurity, and economic instability, which led to the formation of a new alliance named the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between these two organisations and their influence on the future of African diplomatic relations.
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
ECOWAS is a West African community organisation established in 1975 to promote cooperation and economic integration among West African countries. The primary aim of ECOWAS is to establish an economic union and enhance economic stability and cooperation among the 15 member states in the West African region. However, its role has extended to include promoting political stability and conflict resolution. ECOWAS has been actively involved in restoring democracy and resolving conflicts in various West African countries, such as Niger, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The Formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)
AES was created to address growing security challenges, economic difficulties, and political instability in the Sahel region. AES represents the governments of three countries—Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—that have recently experienced military coups. This alliance is a step towards rejecting Western influence and prioritising regional cooperation among these countries’ military leadership while working to eradicate security issues in the region.
AES members believe that African organisations like ECOWAS are increasingly disconnected from the realities faced by African citizens.
Influence on the Future of African Diplomatic Relations
The emergence of AES and its relationship with ECOWAS will significantly impact the future of African diplomatic relations, particularly in the West African region. While AES advocates for reduced Western influence, ECOWAS promotes engagement with the West through democracy and cooperation. Below are some ways African diplomacy could be affected by the existence of both ECOWAS and AES in the Sahel region.
Regional Cooperation
The formation of AES introduces a fragmentation from the traditional framework of West African regional cooperation. As AES gains influence, ECOWAS’s ability to shape regional activities may diminish, which could encourage other African regions to diverge from ECOWAS agendas. This division could weaken joint efforts to address issues such as insecurity, migration, and economic development.
Geopolitical Alliances
The creation of AES may foster new avenues for geopolitical collaboration within Africa and with other global powers. While Western countries have historically held significant influence in Africa, AES’s rise may attract attention from other powers like China, which seeks to expand its economic and diplomatic influence on the continent. This shift could lead to alternative geopolitical relationships, moving away from traditional African-Western partnerships.
Challenges to African Unity
The establishment of AES in West Africa introduces the possibility of divided influence over decision-making and policy formation within the region. Initially, ECOWAS member states were entitled to free movement and visa-free travel, but AES members may now find themselves isolated from such agreements, which could harm unity among the countries in the region. This could hinder Africa’s overall development and disrupt diplomatic cohesion.
