Demonstrators flooded the streets of Bamako on Thursday, expressing support for the Malian junta’s decision to withdraw the country from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The protesters, mainly young people and schoolchildren, carried placards with slogans such as “Down with ECOWAS. Long live AES,” endorsing the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The withdrawal announcement, made on Sunday, marks the culmination of months of escalating tensions between the coup-affected nations and ECOWAS. The move has stirred controversy, with protesters asserting that the AES represents a viable alternative to the regional bloc.
In a joint statement, the juntas of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso accused ECOWAS of a lack of support and denounced the “illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible” coup-related sanctions imposed on them. However, ECOWAS released a statement clarifying that it had not been formally notified of the decision to withdraw.
This unprecedented move is the first instance in ECOWAS’s nearly 50 years of existence that member states are withdrawing in such a manner. Analysts express concern, viewing this development as a severe blow to the regional bloc and a potential threat to the stability of the West African region.
Critics, including many of Mali’s politicians and former officials, see the junta’s decision as a setback for regional integration. The move has sparked widespread disapproval within Mali, raising questions about the implications for the country’s diplomatic relationships and its standing in the international community.