The Alliance of Sahel States’ shift to the global south

This last year was one of the most tumultuous for the Sahel region; in January the newly composed Alliance of Sahel States or Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) - Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger- left ECOWAS. Perhaps not unexpected, the decision highlighted the worsening ties between the three countries and ECOWAS, who, as the regional bloc, had tried to pressure the emerging military authorities to restore ‘constitutional order.’

On 6 July, the leaders of the three AES countries convened in Niamey for their first summit, during which they signed a treaty designed to strengthen military and economic ties among them. In September Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced plans to introduce new biometric passports under the framework of their recently formed AES alliance. Again, in September the AES announced the launch of a joint web-based television network to “help in the fight against the information war.”  The AES also aims to create an economic and monetary union, as well as its own currency which could be based on the natural resources of the member countries of the Confederation.

Bold moves towards a new kind of sovereignty and an important one to acknowledge, as a potential new way forward for Africa. What’s interesting is the language they chose to commemorate the new treaty: the alliance’s choice of the name “Liptako-Gurma,” originating from the African language Fulani, with the words “Liba” (to overcome) and “Ta-a-ko” (indomitable) meaning “what cannot be overcome.”  Westerners seem to judge Africa increasingly on issues such as migration and terrorism. We conveniently forget the colonial past and seem ignorant of the profound sense of history and identity felt by nation states. 

This year also marked the final withdrawal of French and American troops from the region; another factor that points to a shifting prism. Replacing the ‘western’ model, influence and support from China, Russia, Turkey and Iran is propelling the AES nations and others towards a more global south perspective.

In a recent interview to Pressenza international press agency, Antoine Somdah, former ambassador of Burkina Faso to the Russian Federation, said this of the future challenges and opportunities: “the growing relations between China, Russia and the emerging governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger suggest a geopolitical reconfiguration in West Africa. But first, it must be said that China and Russia are themselves essential strategic partners. The AES Heads of State have decided to take their destiny into their own hands and move away from facade and ineffective partnerships to sincere partners such as Russia and China, but also Turkey. These partnerships with Russia, China and Turkey have enabled the AES countries to equip themselves well and effectively conduct operations against armed terrorist groups. The arrival of Turkey and Iran in the Sahel equation is part of a broader movement of diversification of international partnerships by the AES countries.”

Combatting terrorism is still a major factor for the stability of the region, but what Antoine Somdah expressed in this interview was more about a renewed sense of belonging for the AES as it looks to spearhead its own agenda with new partners and possibilities: “the creation of the AES marks a major geopolitical turning point in the Sahel region. It is not only a rational response to the regional environment marked by insecurity and instability but also the common desire of the three countries to strengthen their sovereignty and coordinate their efforts in the fight against terrorism. The result of growing frustration with traditional Western partners, the AES symbolizes the quest for strategic alternatives and new allies on the international scene.” 

For all the talk of crisis and constitutional chaos – the Alliance of Sahel States is in fact carving out a new approach and one that reflects a global paradigm shift from north to south.

*Kieran Baker is an Emmy award winning journalist who has started up various networks including Al Jazeera English, Bloomberg TV Africa and TRT World.