There are major changes ahead of ECOWAS as three member states, namely Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, exit the regional bloc to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). ECOWAS after Alliance of Sahel States, This unprecedented move poses some of the biggest challenges faced by the 48-year-old regional bloc in terms of integration, security, and diplomacy.
Instead of exacerbating relations with military rulers in the region, ECOWAS is turning to more practical means of engaging the states in order to sustain stability in the region.
From sustaining free movement to overhauling its security framework, major changes are coming ECOWAS way in the face of the new political reality in the region.
ECOWAS and AES Seek to Preserve Free Movement
One of the immediate concerns following the formation of the new bloc has been to ensure the continued movement of millions of people in West Africa.
This will ensure a smooth transition and prevent any sudden collapse of the system of regional mobility of people. It is expected that the transitional process will take the form of an introduction of a parallel system of identification within AES, which, in the course of five years, could gradually make ECOWAS travel documents obsolete.
AES Introduces New Biometric Identity Cards and Passports
The alliance of Sahel states has announced the intention to introduce new biometric identity cards and passports, which, if the plan materializes, would eventually replace the current ECOWAS travel documents in five years.
ECOWAS Begins the Process of Institutional Restructuring
The exit of three member states also has serious consequences for the internal functioning of the ECOWAS organization.
With nationals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger completing their contracts within ECOWAS institutions, there is now a need for the reorganization of the administrative system of the organization according to its new composition. In addition, several regional integration instruments are currently being reviewed to address issues raised by the remaining member states.
Major Test for Regional Security Strategy
Security continues to be a major problem for ECOWAS in light of the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States.
Three key Sahelian states, namely Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have left several long-standing defense alliances with Western nations and chosen to focus more on their security cooperation within the AES framework. This results in the departure of three strategically significant states from the ECOWAS regional security system in an era marked by rampant terrorism and armed insurgency in West Africa.
Consequently, ECOWAS will need to come up with an entirely new regional security strategy amid efforts to coordinate regional responses to cross-border terrorism, organized crime, and humanitarian emergencies without the involvement of the aforementioned states.
According to regional experts, it will still be vital for ECOWAS to maintain contact channels with the AES despite political divergences.
Diplomacy and Trade Becoming Top Priorities
Apart from security, ECOWAS is shifting its focus towards diplomacy as well.
Bilateral trading channels, protecting the business connections, and reducing possible supply chain disruptions have become major priorities after the split. In addition, the institution is trying to reduce the problem of legitimacy brought about by the Sahel states leaving the community, although encouraging further dialogue with them.
Many people think that the future relations of ECOWAS with the AES will be built on cooperation in trade, border control, infrastructure, and economic development, but not only politics.
Conclusion
The secession of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has completely transformed the regional environment of West Africa. ECOWAS, which initially aimed at fostering democracy, has started to balance its initial values and practices with the necessity of maintaining regional cooperation. The future development of West African integration largely depends on dialogue and cooperation on economic and security issues.
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