West Africa on the brink of collapse

This weekend, West Africa is hosting two important presidential summits. The meetings reveal deep regional divisions. In Niamey, the heads of the Sahel’s military regimes gather behind the Alliance for the Sahel (AES). In Abuja, the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is holding a routine summit.

The parallel meetings illustrate the growing tensions between the two groups.

Sahel Alliance: A new force is emerging

On Saturday, July 6, Niamey hosted the first AES summit. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger participated. These countries were under military regimes. Fighting jihadist violence. they have Breaking with France and ECOWAS and seek New partnerships with Russia and TürkiyeThe summit is aimed at strengthening military and economic cooperation between the two countries. It marks a key step towards greater sovereignty.

Also read: Tensions rise between France and Burkina Faso

this ECOWAS Find the repair link

Tomorrow in Abuja, ECOWAS heads of state will discuss the regional situation, including relations with the African Union. Several West African presidents, e.g. Basilou Diomaye Fayerecently called for reconciliation. They stressed the need for an alliance to counter the expansion of jihadism. However, divisions remain deep and the possibility of a quick reconciliation is uncertain.

AES countries face significant security challenges. Jihadist attacks This violence has led to Mass displacement population and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. The Joint Counter-Jihad Force has yet to provide concrete solutions on the ground.

Also read: Abu Huzefa’s death: a heavy blow to jihadist groups in the Sahel

Towards a new common currency?

The project of creating a common currency within the AES may also be on the agenda. Although this process is complex and lengthy, it symbolizes the desire of the three countries to break away from the influence of the CFA franc currency. Discussions on economic and defense unions show their determination to chart a new independent path.

A deep and lasting division

The concurrence of the two summits highlighted the deep divisions between the AES and AES. ECOWASDistrust of the latter, perceived as too aligned with Western interests, strengthens the internal cohesion of military regimes in the Sahel. Despite calls for dialogue, positions appear frozen, limiting the prospects for a quick reconciliation.