Thousands of people gathered in Niger and Burkina Faso on Tuesday to celebrate their countries’ imminent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with the departure set to take effect on Wednesday. The exit, alongside Mali’s earlier departure, has created a significant rift in the region, leaving the future of ECOWAS uncertain.
The three junta-led countries Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS in January 2024, citing the bloc’s excessive reliance on France as a key factor in their decision. Paris has become a common adversary to the three nations, which are now forging closer ties with countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
In Niger, thousands of supporters, including military regime members, gathered in the capital Niamey’s central square before marching toward the national assembly. They chanted slogans condemning French President Emmanuel Macron and other regional leaders, including those from Benin, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast, with whom Niger’s relations have soured.
Ibro Amadou Bacharou, private chief of staff to Niger’s junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani, declared, “On January 28, 2024, we announced our exit from ECOWAS with immediate effect. Many thought it was a joke, that we would reverse our decision. But this ends today there is nothing left between ECOWAS and us.”
Similarly, in Burkina Faso, thousands gathered in Ouagadougou’s Nation Square to show support for the departure. Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo was among the prominent figures at the rally. Protesters waved banners such as “Long live AES, down with ECOWAS,” and “Goodbye hand-tied ECOWAS, long live free AES.”
Ouedraogo addressed the crowd, stating, “To cut the cord of imperialism… this will not be done by the tender hands of a midwife, but by an axe.” Many protesters also displayed flags from the three Sahel nations or the Russian flag, signaling their growing alignment with Moscow.
Rallies were also expected in Mali, as the three countries prepare to officially form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The new alliance, which has already taken steps to strengthen its unity, will launch a common passport for its citizens on Wednesday and has announced plans to create a unified 5,000-strong military force aimed at combating jihadism in the region.
