The Crisis between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES): A New East–Westcoldwar?

Abstract

When it was established on 28 May 1975, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) consisted of fifteen (15) Member States, with the primary objective of creating a single common market and promoting the economic integration of the West African sub region. Subsequently, on 21 December 2001 in Dakar, Senegal, the regional organization adopted the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which empowered ECOWAS to assess democratic processes and effectively combat military coups and unconstitutional changes of government within its Member States. Following the unconstitutional and anti-democratic changes of government that occurred in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, ECOWAS, acting in accordance with the aforementioned Protocol, imposed sanctions on these countries and suspended them from its regional institutions. This led to a profound political crisis that culminated in the withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS and the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) on 16 September 2023, which was subsequently transformed into the Confederation of Sahel States on 6 July 2024. The crisis between ECOWAS and the AES has generated significant geopolitical and geostrategic consequences, prompting some observers to describe it as a new East–West Cold War. However, this characterization is not entirely accurate, as several countries within the Western bloc, including allies of the United States of America, continue to maintain strong diplomatic and cooperative relations with the member states of the AES. To ensure lasting stability and peace in West Africa, it is essential to develop new strategic perspectives. These should include diplomatic mediation and peaceful coexistence, enhanced military cooperation, and geo-economic reconfiguration. This study, intended as a contribution to policy and decision-making, demonstrates that the crisis between ECOWAS and the AES does not constitute a new Cold War between a Western bloc led by the United States and an Eastern or communist bloc led by Russia, as was the case during the period 1947–1990. Nevertheless, the crisis can be overcome and ultimately resolved through the reintegration of the AES into ECOWAS. Achieving this objective will require patience, perseverance, sustained cooperation between the leaders of both organizations, and the support of the international community.