One year after their withdrawal from ECOWAS, the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States marked the date with a major mobilisation. In Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, thousands of citizens took to the streets on January 28 2025 to celebrate this historic decision and reaffirm their commitment to sovereignty. In Niamey, the march ended at the Place de la Concertation, where authorities and demonstrators welcomed the growing integration of the AES. A powerful symbol, given that the launch of a common biometric passport is scheduled for January 29.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of the main cities of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to celebrate the first anniversary of their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This historic decision, announced on January 28 2024, led to the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), profoundly transforming the regional political landscape. In Niamey, the march, which ended at Place de la Concertation, reaffirmed the ideals of the AES.
Today’s mobilisation is proof that the patriotic surge is still in your veins. It is also proof that our new civic awareness, also in your veins, has now become a social dynamic.
ABDOU HAROUNA ASSOUMANE , Governor of Niamey
Authorities and populations expressed their support for the confederation, celebrated the historic withdrawal of ECOWAS and rejected the CFA franc, perceived as a symbol of economic dependence. Federative speeches delivered on this occasion recalled the importance of this date and hailed the historic decision taken by the heads of state of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
It has betrayed its mission to be an ECOWAS of the peoples. To offer the children of West Africa a future of peace. In such a situation, the reflex that remained was to withdraw. And the posture that consists in withdrawing is a posture that we recall. And if it hadn’t been for January 28 2024, we certainly wouldn’t be here as a country.
KARAMOKO JEAN-MARIE TRAORÉ, Minister of Foreign Affairs
The event also provided an opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the citizens to defend their autonomy in the face of external and internal challenges. Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, underlined the determination of the three states to pursue their path independently of ECOWAS.
