Key Challenges Facing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES): Security, Economic, and Diplomatic Hurdles

Burkina Faso's Strategic Shift: Embracing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and Redefining Regional Dynamics in 2025

In a significant geopolitical development, Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, has officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as of January 29, 2025. This move marks the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new confederation aiming to address regional security, economic independence, and cultural identity.

Understanding the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) represents far more than a political agreement; it is a bold, strategic realignment in response to a complex web of shared challenges faced by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—three landlocked nations in the Sahel region grappling with overlapping crises that have intensified over the past decade.

At the core of this alliance is a growing frustration with existing regional and international frameworks—particularly the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and traditional Western partners—which these countries increasingly view as either ineffective or misaligned with their national interests and realities on the ground.

1. Persistent Jihadist Threats

All three nations have endured years of escalating insurgency from jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS. These militants have exploited porous borders, weak central governance in remote areas, and local grievances to entrench their influence. Despite various international military missions—such as the French-led Operation Barkhane and UN peacekeeping forces—the jihadist threat has persisted, often expanding rather than diminishing.

The AES signals a rejection of past security strategies seen as externally imposed and insufficiently responsive. By creating a joint military force, the member states aim to centralize intelligence, coordinate border security operations, and take a more proactive, sovereignty-driven approach to combating terrorism. This alliance gives them the latitude to experiment with new partnerships and tactics free from foreign military constraints or political conditions.

2. Political Instability and Military Transitions

Each of the AES countries has experienced recent military coups, leading to transitional or military-led governments. While this has drawn criticism and sanctions from ECOWAS and the African Union, the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger argue that these leadership changes reflect popular discontent with governance failures, corruption, and deteriorating security under previous democratic regimes.

The formation of the AES is, in part, a political strategy to shield these transitions from external pressure and sanctions. By forging a new framework outside ECOWAS, the AES provides a buffer against diplomatic isolation and creates a platform for regional solidarity among like-governed states. It also offers them the opportunity to redefine democratic timelines and governance models on their own terms, with an emphasis on internal stabilization before holding elections.

3. Economic Underdevelopment and Dependency

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are among the world’s poorest nations, with GDP per capita figures significantly below the global average. Their economies are heavily reliant on agriculture, natural resources (like gold, uranium, and cotton), and foreign aid. Infrastructure gaps, limited access to education and healthcare, and vulnerability to climate change compound their developmental challenges.

Historically, these economies have also been deeply integrated into the post-colonial franc zone, using the CFA franc, a currency pegged to the euro and backed by the French treasury. Many critics see this monetary arrangement as a form of continued economic dependence that restricts sovereign fiscal and monetary policy.

The AES thus serves as a vehicle to explore monetary independence—with plans for a common central bank and possibly a new currency. This would allow the member states to control their own interest rates, print money, and fund development programs more flexibly. The AES is also pushing for agricultural self-reliance, energy integration, and industrial development as means of reducing reliance on external markets and donors.

4. A New Vision for Sahelian Sovereignty

By formalizing their alliance, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are sending a strong message: they are intent on charting a new course of regional autonomy, cultural revival, and economic self-determination. This includes:

Promoting indigenous solutions to governance and conflict.
Reclaiming control over their natural resources and revisiting mining contracts with foreign corporations.
Building infrastructure that connects the Sahel, rather than relying on coastal states for trade.
Defining a regional identity rooted in shared cultural, linguistic, and historical legacies.

Rather than being reactive, the AES is proactive and forward-looking. It envisions a Sahelian bloc that not only defends itself from terrorism and economic exploitation but also actively shapes its destiny—politically, culturally, and economically.

In this way, the AES is more than just a security pact or a political maneuver. It is a radical reimagining of regional unity, sovereignty, and resistance to neocolonial influence—anchored in the lived realities of Sahelian nations and their long-neglected aspirations for peace, prosperity, and self-governance

Key Initiatives and Developments within the AES

1. Economic Integration and Currency Reform

One of the most transformative goals of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is its pursuit of deep economic integration, starting with the creation of a common central bank and the development of a new sovereign currency to replace the West African CFA franc. For decades, the CFA franc has symbolized both monetary stability and colonial legacy—linked to the euro and backed by the French treasury. However, critics argue it limits national control over fiscal and monetary policy, particularly in times of crisis or when rapid economic adaptation is required.

By creating a new currency, the AES aims to reclaim monetary sovereignty, allowing these nations to:

Set independent interest rates tailored to their local economic needs.
Directly finance public infrastructure and development projects.
Control inflation and currency devaluation mechanisms without relying on a foreign central bank.
Break dependence on France and the European Union for financial support or policy guidance.

This shift would mark a major economic decolonization step, potentially inspiring similar moves across Africa. However, such a reform will require immense coordination, robust financial systems, and international credibility to avoid volatility and protect purchasing power during the transition.

2. Energy and Infrastructure Collaboration

The AES understands that economic independence and regional stability are tightly linked to energy access and infrastructure development. With limited access to reliable electricity and transportation in all three member states, the alliance is prioritizing a unified energy policy, including:

Joint investment in renewable energy, especially solar power, given the Sahel’s abundant sunlight.
Shared energy grids or interconnection projects to ensure supply across borders.
Promotion of local manufacturing of energy technologies such as solar panels and batteries.

On the infrastructure front, the AES is working to develop:

Transnational road and rail systems to facilitate trade and mobility.
Irrigation and agricultural logistics networks to reduce food import dependency and improve self-sufficiency.
Digital infrastructure to support cross-border digital services, fintech development, and regional education programs.

These projects not only aim to boost intra-AES trade and investment but also foster economic resilience against global supply chain shocks and climate-related disruptions.

3. Establishment of the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development (BCID-AES)

In a landmark move in May 2025, the AES officially announced the launch of the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development (BCID-AES). This institution is designed to:

Mobilize domestic and regional capital for large-scale development projects.
Fund strategic sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure.
Provide alternative financing for businesses and startups that often face high borrowing costs and limited credit access under traditional financial institutions.

The BCID-AES functions not just as a lender, but also as a policy instrument, channeling funds into sectors that align with the AES’s development priorities. It seeks to reduce reliance on global financial institutions like the IMF or World Bank, and to promote investment strategies tailored to local realities rather than externally imposed models.

The bank's long-term vision includes:

Establishing sovereign wealth funds from natural resource revenues.
Supporting microfinance and SME development.
Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) within the alliance.

4. Joint Military Force

Security is a cornerstone of the AES framework. All three countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—have suffered devastating terrorist attacks from jihadist factions linked to ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and regional militant groups. Previous security arrangements, including international military operations and UN peacekeeping efforts, have been criticized for being slow, reactive, or disconnected from local realities.

To address this, the AES is building a joint military force composed of approximately 5,000 personnel, with the following objectives:

Coordinated counterterrorism operations across national borders.
Unified military strategy and command structure.
Intelligence sharing and real-time communication between national defense forces.
Local recruitment and community-based stabilization efforts to ensure public trust and legitimacy.

This force reflects the AES’s determination to pursue homegrown security solutions, free from dependency on foreign military actors. It also aims to prevent extremist spillover across borders and contribute to regional peacekeeping missions within the alliance when needed.

5. Cultural and Identity Initiatives

The Alliance is not just a political or economic pact; it is also a cultural project. Recognizing that a sustainable union must be underpinned by shared identity and values, the AES is investing in cultural unification and regional pride.

Key initiatives include:

The introduction of a joint biometric passport, which simplifies travel, boosts regional trade, and facilitates migration for employment, education, and healthcare.
The approval of a common national anthem that reflects Sahelian heritage and the aspirations of its people.
The promotion of indigenous languages, arts, and historical narratives that reinforce a collective sense of belonging and purpose.

These steps aim to nurture civic cohesion and a pan-Sahelian identity that transcends colonial borders. By celebrating shared history and culture, the AES hopes to foster solidarity among its populations, which is essential for political unity and public support.

Final Thoughts

Each of these pillars—economic reform, infrastructure development, security coordination, cultural identity, and financial independence—illustrates that the AES is not just reactive, but visionary. It represents a foundational attempt by three Sahel nations to reimagine what self-determination, unity, and sovereignty look like in the 21st century. While challenges are vast, the ambition and resolve shown by the AES could redefine regional cooperation across the African continent.

Implications for Regional Dynamics

The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is not merely a reaction to immediate security or political concerns—it represents a seismic shift in the geopolitical and economic architecture of West Africa. This trilateral alliance—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—is challenging long standing norms, reshaping regional alignments, and signaling a new era of assertive sovereignty and reimagined cooperation in the Sahel.

1. Redefining Regional Cooperation: A Challenge to ECOWAS

Traditionally, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been the primary platform for political and economic integration across the region. However, the AES openly contests the relevance and neutrality of ECOWAS, particularly in light of its sanctions and pressure campaigns following military takeovers in all three AES countries.

The AES contends that ECOWAS, often perceived as aligned with Western diplomatic agendas, has failed to:

Address the unique security realities of the Sahel.
Recognize the legitimacy of popular discontent with ousted governments.
Offer inclusive mechanisms for countries undergoing political transitions.

By creating an alternative bloc, the AES is redefining what regional cooperation can look like—one rooted in mutual security needs, shared cultural identities, and self-determined political futures. This could inspire similar breakaway movements or reform demands within other West African nations, especially those disillusioned by ECOWAS's central leadership or external influence.

2. Geopolitical Realignment: A Pivot Toward Non-Western Partners

The AES's emergence also marks a clear pivot in foreign policy. Frustrated by what they perceive as the ineffectiveness of Western military and diplomatic interventions, the member states have begun diversifying their international partnerships, seeking alliances that are more aligned with their sovereignty-focused agenda.

In recent months, AES countries have:

Increased military cooperation with Russia, including bilateral defense agreements, equipment transfers, and military training support.
Opened diplomatic and economic dialogues with Iran, exploring avenues for technical assistance, energy partnerships, and ideological solidarity in resisting Western pressures.
Shown openness to engaging China, Turkey, and other Global South powers for infrastructure, mining, and development projects.

This geopolitical rebalancing reflects a broader trend across Africa: the erosion of Western dominance in the continent's affairs, and the rise of a multipolar foreign policy landscape. By moving closer to alternative powers, the AES is signaling its desire to operate on its own terms, without conditionalities often attached to Western aid or military assistance.

3. Economic Autonomy: Toward Self-Sustaining Growth

One of the AES’s most ambitious goals is to establish true economic independence. The region’s historical reliance on external financial systems, particularly those tied to former colonial powers, has long constrained its ability to pursue bold, locally tailored development strategies.

To reverse this dynamic, the AES is:

Advancing a common currency project to break free from the CFA franc, which critics argue perpetuates French economic control.
Launching the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development (BCID-AES) to fund infrastructure, agriculture, and industry from within the region.
Promoting agro-industrial self-reliance, aiming to become food secure and reduce dependency on imports.
Encouraging regional trade integration to boost commerce within AES countries and reduce exposure to global market fluctuations.

This push for economic sovereignty is not only about monetary reform, but also about reclaiming agency over development—shaping policies, managing natural resources, and allocating public spending based on national priorities rather than international prescriptions.

Final Thoughts

In sum, the formation of the AES is more than a strategic alliance—it is a philosophical and structural realignment with wide-reaching implications for West Africa and beyond. It challenges the authority and inclusiveness of ECOWAS, redefines diplomatic allegiances away from traditional Western allies, and lays the groundwork for autonomous, locally driven economic and political development.

If the AES proves durable and effective, it could reshape the trajectory of regional integration in Africa, offering a new model that prioritizes sovereignty, cultural solidarity, and pragmatic cooperation over legacy systems and external dependence.

Challenges and Considerations

While the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) offers a promising new framework for regional cooperation, autonomy, and security, its success hinges on how effectively it can navigate a series of deep-rooted and multi-dimensional challenges. The path forward is fraught with political, economic, and security complexities that will test the resilience and cohesion of the alliance.

1. Security Concerns: Jihadist Violence and Internal Instability

Arguably the most pressing challenge facing the AES is the persistence of extremist violence. Despite ongoing military efforts, jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) continue to carry out attacks, especially in rural and border regions. These groups exploit state fragility, local grievances, and ethnic divisions to expand their control.

Key concerns include:

Lack of unified command and logistics across national armies, which could limit the effectiveness of the proposed joint military force.
Civilian casualties and human rights concerns, which could erode public support if military campaigns are not carefully managed.
Displacement crises, with hundreds of thousands of people fleeing violence, adding pressure to already overstretched state resources.

For the AES to deliver on its promise of security-driven sovereignty, it must develop robust counter-insurgency strategies rooted in both military strength and local community engagement. It also needs international partnerships that respect its sovereignty while enhancing intelligence sharing and defense capacity.

2. Economic Viability: Managing the Transition to Monetary Independence

Another significant challenge lies in the AES’s economic transformation agenda, particularly the planned departure from the CFA franc and the establishment of a new regional currency and central banking system. While this move aims to enhance sovereignty and reduce dependency, it is fraught with technical, logistical, and political risks.

Potential risks include:

Currency instability: Without adequate foreign reserves or investor confidence, a new currency could face inflation, volatility, or black-market competition.
Loss of financial credibility: The transition may spook international investors and partners, especially if clear monetary policies and fiscal rules are not in place.
Coordination issues: Synchronizing fiscal policies, interest rates, and exchange mechanisms across three different economies with varying levels of development is extremely complex.

Moreover, building institutions like the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development (BCID-AES) and new regulatory frameworks from scratch will require significant time, expertise, and political will. A misstep could trigger capital flight, disrupt local markets, and undermine public confidence.

3. International Relations: Diplomatic and Economic Fallout

The AES’s decision to distance itself from ECOWAS, and its growing alignment with non-Western powers such as Russia, Iran, and potentially China, introduces diplomatic tensions that may impact regional cohesion and broader trade relations.

Some of the implications include:

Isolation within West Africa: Exiting or clashing with ECOWAS could result in restricted access to regional markets, development programs, and peacekeeping frameworks.
Sanctions and aid reduction: Western nations and institutions, perceiving the AES as moving away from democratic norms or geopolitical alignment, may impose sanctions or reduce aid and technical support.
Trade barriers: AES countries risk facing tariff and non-tariff barriers if they fall out of ECOWAS free trade protocols or cross-border infrastructure agreements.

Diplomatic alienation could also reduce the AES’s influence in broader continental platforms such as the African Union (AU), unless it successfully builds new coalitions or gains legitimacy through tangible results in governance and development.

Final Thoughts

The AES symbolizes courageous ambition and a desire for self-determination, but the road to success is anything but assured. The alliance must find ways to:

Deliver real security gains without alienating its population.
Ensure that monetary reform is gradual, technically sound, and widely supported.
Balance sovereign interests with pragmatic engagement in regional and global diplomacy.

If these challenges are met with coordinated, visionary leadership and sustained public engagement, the AES could evolve into a model of regional resilience and independence. However, failure to address them effectively could threaten the alliance’s stability and hinder the realization of its transformative goals.

Conclusion

Burkina Faso's participation in the Alliance of Sahel States marks a pivotal moment in its pursuit of regional integration and self-determination. By collaborating with Mali and Niger, the country aims to address shared challenges through collective action and innovative policies.The success of the AES will depend on its ability to navigate complex security, economic, and diplomatic landscapes while fostering unity and resilience among its member states.

For further information on the developments within the Alliance of Sahel States and their impact on regional dynamics, refer to the following sources: