Thousands of people took to the streets in Niger and Burkina Faso on Tuesday, showing their support for the imminent withdrawal of their countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a move set to take effect on Wednesday.
The protests highlight growing discontent in the Sahel region over the influence of France within the bloc and ECOWAS’ role in regional politics.
The imminent departure of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from ECOWAS marks a significant fracture in the regional alliance, raising questions about the future of the organisation.
The three countries, which are led by military juntas, formally notified ECOWAS in January 2024 of their decision to leave, citing concerns over ECOWAS’ perceived dependence on France, which they view as imperialistic.
In Niger’s capital, Niamey, the rally saw a large turnout, with thousands of people, led by members of the military regime, marching from a central square to the National Assembly.
Protesters chanted slogans denouncing French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as other regional leaders with whom Niger’s junta has strained relations, such as those from Benin, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast.
Ibro Amadou Bacharou, chief of staff to Niger’s junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani, addressed the crowd, stating, “On January 28, 2024, we announced our exit from ECOWAS with immediate effect. Many thought it was a joke, but today it is clear that we are leaving. There is nothing left between ECOWAS and us.”
Meanwhile, in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, thousands gathered in Nation Square in a similar show of support.
Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo was present, and protesters held banners proclaiming, “Long live AES, down with ECOWAS,” and “Goodbye hand-tied ECOWAS, long live free AES.”
Some protesters displayed flags of the three Sahel countries, while others waved Russian flags, symbolising the growing shift towards non-Western alliances.
Ouedraogo took to the stage, declaring, “To cut the cord of imperialism… this will not be done by the tender hands of a midwife but by an axe.”
His words reflected the sentiment that breaking free from ECOWAS and Western influence is a necessary and forceful step towards sovereignty.
Rallies were also expected in Mali, as the trio of countries—Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—prepared to solidify their newfound alliance under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The AES is a political and economic confederation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation outside the ECOWAS framework.
As part of their efforts, the AES countries are set to launch their common passport and have announced the formation of a unified army of 5,000 troops to combat jihadism, a growing threat in the region.
This military force, which would operate independently from ECOWAS, is a direct response to the security challenges faced by the Sahel countries.
The withdrawal of these three countries from ECOWAS signals a new chapter in the region’s political landscape, one in which ties to France and the West are being increasingly rejected in favour of alliances with countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
The protests and celebrations in Niger and Burkina Faso indicate widespread public support for this shift as the countries prepare to assert greater control over their sovereignty and future.
