For the first gathering on the banks of the Niger River, the host, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, went all out to welcome his two counterparts from Burkina Faso and Mali. The event featured a grand reception, crowds of supporters, and a ceremony at the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center, where each of the three Alliance of Sahel States (AES) leaders’ speeches was met with applause.
The President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the first to address the supportive audience, spoke without notes. He highlighted the historical contribution of Africans in liberating Europe during the world wars, the ongoing suffering of Africa, and the persistence of neocolonialism and imperialism. He condemned the “salon slaves” who serve as the local agents of imperialism, exploiting and oppressing the people.
The democracy-freedom-human rights triad, wielded as a weapon by these “salon slaves” and their masters, cannot thrive. The birth of AES on September 16, 2023, signifies a resistance to this.
Malian leader Assimi Goïta focused his speech on the achievements of AES in infrastructure and security, emphasizing the importance of unity, harmony, and the ongoing formation of the AES confederation.
The summit host, President of CNSP General Abdourahamane Tiani, spoke about the shared destiny binding the three countries. He highlighted the “common defense and deep solidarity” that had manifested in response to the “planned aggression” by ECOWAS, stating that “our peoples have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS.” He endorsed the AES confederation as an alternative to any fictitious return to ECOWAS.
ECOWAS seemed to respond on Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Abuja, albeit showing signs of trying to mend the significant rift. Security, AES, and ECOWAS funding were the main topics at this summit.
ECOWAS, recognizing its shortcomings amid coups and terrorism, is now aiming to establish a 5,000-strong standby force costing $2.6 billion annually or a smaller force of 1,500 troops costing $500 million annually.
Regarding AES, which held its summit as a sort of counterpoint to ECOWAS, opinions remain divided. Some suggest that ECOWAS misses Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, while others debate whether to sever ties with these countries or engage them in dialogue. The threat of attacking Niger post-coup on July 26, 2023, as decided by Bola Tinubu, also remains a contentious issue among leaders.
Thus, two meetings of heads of state in rival organizations only heighten the region’s woes, given their intertwined economic and social landscapes. It’s clear that each passing day further separates AES from ECOWAS, complicating sub-regional issues. Addressing security alone requires a holistic approach. In this troubled region, unifying policies, forces, and visions is imperative.
