ECOWAS has lifted sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, aiming to reconcile these nations with the regional bloc after they announced their withdrawal.
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The three countries have decided to form a confederation, signaling a major change in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
The new alliance, called the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), marks their break from their former colonial ruler, France, and a pivot towards closer ties with Russia.
This decision was revealed after a meeting of their foreign ministers in Niamey, the capital of Niger, on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Sangare, confirmed that the draft text detailing the institutionalisation and operation of the AES has been finalized.
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Photo via Channels TV
Sangare stated that the leaders of the three nations will formally adopt this text at an upcoming summit, though the date for this summit has not yet been set.
Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, announced that the formation of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States is now complete.
This development indicates the determination of these military-ruled countries to leave ECOWAS.
The regional bloc has attempted to bring these countries back into its fold after they declared their exit on January 28, 2024, citing that ECOWAS had deviated from its founding principles and pan-African ideals.
Following months of sanctions imposed due to the overthrow of democratic governments, ECOWAS lifted the sanctions in February 2024 after the intervention of Nigeria’s former military leader, General Yakubu Gowon.
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