New Sahel confederation triggers disintegration fears within West Africa

In a significant development, the formation of a Sahel confederation by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger has thrown West Africa into a crisis that could potentially disrupt the free movement of people and goods in the region. The decision to break away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was fueled by accusations of manipulation by France, their former colonial ruler, and dissatisfaction with ECOWAS' response to recent coups in the region. The Sahel military governments, emphasizing sovereignty as a key principle, have accused ECOWAS of being subservient to France and have formalized their divorce by joining forces to create the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This move, despite the lifting of sanctions against Niamey in February, has raised concerns about potential visa requirements for travel within the region and obstacles to business establishment. The head of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has warned of the risk of political isolation, loss of funding, and hampering of freedom of movement due to the withdrawal of the AES countries. The formation of AES comes amidst a backdrop of coups in the region and rising anti-western sentiment in former French colonies, with ECOWAS being perceived as a puppet of Europe by the breakaway countries. Efforts for reconciliation are underway, with Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye appointed as a mediator to bring positions closer together and ensure a forum for dialogue. The potential disintegration of ECOWAS, as acknowledged at its recent summit, poses challenges for the region, especially in terms of security and the establishment of a proposed regional military force. As the bloc faces financial constraints and growing fissures, the future of regional cooperation remains uncertain.