The Dawn of a New Era: AES and the Decline of French Influence in West Africa

By Mamadou Sidibe

The impending departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29 marks a watershed moment for the region. This decision reflects a profound shift in priorities for these nations, which have endured years of instability, insecurity, and disillusionment with regional mechanisms. In response, these countries are turning to the Alliance of Sahel States (or Alliance des États du Sahel (AES)) as a beacon of cooperation, sovereignty, and progress, signaling a new chapter in West African geopolitics.

For over a decade, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have grappled with relentless terrorist attacks and cycles of violence. Despite its mandate to promote peace, security, and economic integration, ECOWAS has struggled to address these crises effectively. Measures such as economic sanctions and threats of military intervention have often exacerbated tensions rather than resolved them. This failure to provide tangible solutions has eroded confidence in ECOWAS as a vehicle for regional stability.

In reaction to this growing discontent, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso took decisive action by forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Unlike ECOWAS, which is perceived as beholden to external interests, the AES represents a collective effort to reclaim agency and ensure stability in the Sahel region. Already, the Alliance has achieved promising results, with enhanced coordination leading to successful joint military operations and the gradual restoration of peace in areas previously overrun by extremist groups. These accomplishments stand in stark contrast to the limited impact of France’s prolonged military presence in the region, spanning more than a decade.

A crucial factor driving the formation of the AES is the rejection of colonial-era systems and influences that continue to shape governance and economy in the region. ECOWAS’s reliance on former colonial powers, particularly France, has become a source of frustration among African leaders and citizens. The continued use of the CFA franc—a currency tied to French monetary policies—is seen as a major obstacle to achieving true economic independence. For AES member states, financial sovereignty is central to their broader goals of self-determination and regional progress. Discussions around introducing a new regional currency to replace the CFA Franc highlight the ambition of these nations to break free from outdated systems and lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.

This sentiment extends beyond the AES. Newly elected Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has echoed calls for monetary sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of financial independence as a cornerstone of national and regional development. The push for a new economic model reflects a growing consensus across parts of West Africa that the region must prioritize its own interests rather than adhering to frameworks shaped by external actors. This vision gains traction with the AES leading the charge, demonstrating how regional cooperation can be reimagined to serve African priorities.

Criticism of ECOWAS has grown sharper in recent years, with many accusing the organization of failing to fulfill its mandate. France’s influence within ECOWAS, often channeled through leaders like Macky Sall and Alassane Ouattara, has drawn particular ire. This dynamic has led to policies perceived as serving Paris’s interests rather than those of member states. Measures such as embargoes and intervention threats have further alienated countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, pushing them toward the formation of the AES. The growing perception of ECOWAS as a tool of former colonial powers has eroded its credibility and relevance in the eyes of many West Africans.

The emergence of the AES offers a stark contrast to ECOWAS’s perceived shortcomings. By focusing on practical solutions to pressing challenges, particularly security, the AES has positioned itself as a proactive and effective alternative. Its successes in countering terrorism and stabilizing conflict zones demonstrate the potential of collective action when driven by shared goals and local leadership. This new approach inspires confidence not only among its member states but also among other nations in the region, who see the AES as a model for achieving tangible results through regional cooperation.

The implications of these developments extend beyond security. The AES’s focus on economic integration and resource-sharing positions it as a powerful driver of regional development. By prioritizing initiatives that directly benefit member states, the AES has created a framework that could attract additional partners and expand its influence. This shift underscores a broader trend in West Africa toward locally driven solutions that prioritize sovereignty and self-reliance over dependency on external powers.

As Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso prepare to leave ECOWAS, the organization faces an existential crisis. Its inability to address key challenges has highlighted the need for substantial reforms to regain its relevance and effectiveness. If ECOWAS is to remain a viable force for regional integration, it must reorient its priorities to serve the interests of its member states rather than external actors. This will require not only structural changes but also a renewed commitment to addressing the real needs of West African nations.

The departure of these three countries from ECOWAS signifies a deeper shift in the region’s trajectory. It represents a rejection of outdated systems and a bold step toward a future defined by sovereignty, collaboration, and self-determination. The AES, with its focus on practical solutions and regional solidarity, offers a compelling vision for what West African cooperation can achieve when freed from the constraints of colonial legacies.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) stands as a viable alternative to ECOWAS, prioritizing regional integration and local sovereignty. Unlike ECOWAS, which remains influenced by France and its resource-driven agenda, AES fosters independence and tangible progress. The departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso marks an irreversible step toward true sovereignty, exposing ECOWAS’s reliance on outdated, externally influenced strategies.

ECOWAS’s failures in addressing security challenges and its punitive measures like embargoes and military interventions have highlighted its inefficiency and the urgent need for reform. While ECOWAS allocates funds for security, its lack of on-ground results contrasts sharply with AES’s proactive approach to countering terrorism and ensuring regional stability.

AES not only represents a shift from colonial influence but also offers a new model for African-led cooperation, emphasizing regional priorities and collective security. The bloc’s ability to address shared threats and foster development underscores its potential as a cornerstone of West African progress. In embracing this new path, the people of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are forging a future rooted in autonomy, resilience, and hope—a future where they chart their own course toward prosperity and peace.