The AES countries, a year after leaving ECOWAS have banded together to celebrate its first anniversary.
Since being made, the decision to leave ECOWAS has been marred with several complications, not the least being economic sanctions and backlash from Western governments.
Regardless, the coalition has stood strong, insisting that its exit from ECOWAS and the formation of its new regional bloc would be the status quo.
In the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, a flag-raising ceremony at the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, featuring the flags of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the AES.
The National Coordination of Civic Vigilance Associations also orchestrated a rally at Nation Square in the capital city.
Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo was in attendance.
As reported by Sputnik, participants hoisted effigies of Sahel States Alliance officials and held posters reading “Down with the rotten ECOWAS, long live the AES!” The crowd also participated in chanting the national song, Ditanye.
Additionally, similar rallies were held in the capital city of Niger, Niamey. Members of the National Council attended this for the Protection of the Homeland.
Thousands of Nigerien citizens marched through the capital city to show their support for the country’s exit from ECOWAS.
During the event, members symbolically “buried” an effigy dressed in a shroud featuring the organization’s insignia.
According to a Sputnik journalist, several protestors hoisted Russian flags.
AES’s formation
The three West African nations that make up the AES abruptly left ECOWAS in January 2024, citing the organization’s lack of support for their attempts to combat terrorism, as well as its subservience to former colonial power France.
ECOWAS swiftly responded to their separation with a declaration that it would take all necessary actions to restore the states to their original bloc, including imposing economic penalties on them.
The declaration was made by Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, on December 15th at the 66th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government in Abuja.
