ECOWAS Forges Anti-Terrorism Alliance with Sahel States
ECOWAS has reached an agreement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to collaboratively combat terrorism. After these nations left ECOWAS, tensions rose; however, they now plan to work together to tackle militant threats, maintaining regional unity and supporting economic development efforts.
The West African regional bloc ECOWAS announced on Thursday the achievement of an agreement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all currently governed by military juntas, to cooperate in the fight against terrorism. This development signals a potential warming of relations with the three countries that previously disengaged from the bloc.
The withdrawal last year by the trio was seen as detrimental to regional goals such as reducing trade barriers, promoting free movement, and countering the burgeoning threat of Islamist militants. ECOWAS president, Omar Touray, addressed a summit in Abuja, Nigeria, confirming that mutual understanding had been secured to enhance trust and jointly tackle terrorism and violent extremism.
Touray noted that these nations also agreed to uphold the achievements secured under ECOWAS protocols focused on economic integration and development. The region has been grappling with violence stemming from a decade-long struggle with Islamist groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and Islamic State, exacerbated by military coups in these countries from 2020 to 2023. Following their exit from ECOWAS, the trio established the Alliance of Sahel States.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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