ECOWAS-AES Feud Weakens Security Cooperation as Terrorism Spreads

Armed groups in the Sahel are exploiting tensions between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as they continue to expand their reach in West Africa.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger left ECOWAS in 2024, and the countries’ leaders announced that they would form their own mutual defense pact to fight insurgents. Analysts say the ongoing absence of AES countries from regional organizations has allowed terror organizations to thrive across West Africa.