The Alliance of Sahel States and the Future of West African Regional Integration

Abstract

ECOWAS, initially designed to promote regional economic integration, has over the years adopted protocols to uphold democracy and good governance. On several occasions it has adopted sanctions against unconstitutional changes of government in its member states, like those that recently occurred in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger. At the end of January 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their withdrawal (referred to as ‘Sahelexit’ by several media outlets) from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This withdrawal – with immediate effect according to the departing states, within a one-year deadline according to the ECOWAS Treaty – presents a complex set of challenges for the region. The three states presented their withdrawal as a reaction to sanctions. The study adopted the qualitative method of research, utilizes secondary sources and relays on content analysis as its method of data analysis. To achieve this, the researcher sourced for information from published textbooks, magazines, and journal articles, online materials and other relevant publications. Hence, the objective of this study is to examine the Alliance of Sahel States (AoSS) – Alliance des Etats du Sahel (AES) and the future of regional integration in West Africa and its implications for ECOWAS. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – all three states led by military regimes – decided to establish a new regional organization, the Alliance of Sahel States (AoSS). This paper found that these actions have had mixed results, with negative effects on most ECOWAS member states, hindering economic cooperation and increasing trade costs, thereby complicating regional integration efforts and increasing humanitarian crises. The study therefore recommends enhancing solidarity and promoting conflict resolution, potential strategies for the ECOWAS may include intensifying diplomatic efforts, engaging in preventive diplomacy, deploying peacekeeping forces when necessary, and providing mediation and reconciliation support.