The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), once considered a stabilizing force and a beacon of regional integration, now finds itself at crossroads. A growing number of West African citizens now view the regional bloc not as a guardian of democracy, but as a compromised institution, perpetrating external geopolitical interests. This perception has been compounded by ECOWAS’s inconsistent and unfair handling of political transitions and military takeovers, especially regarding the Sahel.
The rupture became unmistakable following the formal serverance of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—now aligned under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Their absence from the ECOWAS summit held on June 22, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, symbolized not only political estrangement but also a deeper civilizational divergence. This emerging divide reflects a fundamental disagreement over sovereignty, governance models, and the future of African development.
ECOWAS and the Guinea-Bissau Contradiction
One of the obvious demonstrations of ECOWAS’s legitimacy crisis is its handling of the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau. In its final communiqué from the June summit, ECOWAS endorsed a November 23, 2025, election date, claiming broad consensus among stakeholders; whereas this declaration was a clear contradiction to the realities on the ground.
Key constitutional violations have marred Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape, including:
- The unlawful dissolution of the National People’s Assembly in December 2023, which required new legislative elections within 90 days—by March 2024;
- The expiration of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s term on February 27, 2025, with presidential elections legally due no later than November 2024;
- A high-level ECOWAS fact-finding mission in early 2025 that originally recommended elections by June 2025 and the formation of a neutral transitional government.
By endorsing a delayed timeline and failing to uphold its own mission’s recommendations, ECOWAS has reinforced suspicions that it is out of step with the democratic aspirations of the people. This has only deepened regional divisions and further eroded the bloc’s credibility as a neutral arbiter.
West Africa in the Global Situation
The key conflict in West Africa is the Franco-allied war in the Sahel, especially targeting the AES countries.
Let’s be clear:
The war in the Sahel, fought through terrorist proxies, is not isolated. It is part of the same global conflict, directly linked to the outcomes in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Here, NATO confronts BRICS-aligned forces, with Russia playing a leading role in our region—a development we welcome.
Historically, Russia (and the former USSR) has no colonial or slavery-related crimes against Africa. In fact, Russia has supported African peoples during pivotal moments:
– The post-WWII decolonization movement;
– The liberation struggles of Portuguese colonies;
– The anti-apartheid fight in South Africa.
That support continues today.
That notwithstanding, no great power acts out of pure goodwill—every nation has interests to protect.
If Russia’s presence in Africa also aligns with the interests of African peoples, then that partnership is welcome.
Let’s not forget that the crimes of Western imperialists—Spain in South America, Britain and France in North America, Portugal in Brazil—still cast long shadows.
How the War is Playing Out in West Africa
The French imperialists are using every tactic to derail the AES momentum:
– Coups and political plots
– Infiltrations
– Civilian and military subversion
– Information warfare
– Targeted destabilization campaigns
Their goal is to break the unity of the AES bloc by pulling at least one of its three member states away. To achieve this, they are building a wall of encirclement using neighboring countries that willingly to play a destabilizing role:
– Nigeria
– Benin
– Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Among them, Benin, under President Patrice Talon, is at the forefront of the attacks on Niger and Burkina Faso.
Upcoming elections in these countries (Ivory Coast, Benin, Guinea-Bissau) are not just democratic processes. They are strategic tools in NATO’s game of encirclement.
The key question behind these elections is:
Who will best serve French interests in its war against the AES?
– In Côte d’Ivoire, that might mean forcing a 4th term for Ouattara, even if unconstitutional.
– In Benin, a 3rd term for Talon, also unconstitutional.
– In Guinea-Bissau, it’s about blocking the return of the PAIGC-led patriotic leadership.
Why NATO Wants the AES Stopped
Simply put: What’s happening in AES countries is revolutionary.
Some examples of AES achievements:
– Plans for nuclear energy plants
– Local military vehicle manufacturing
– Large-scale agro-industrial projects for food sovereignty
– On-site mineral processing and gold refineries
These are bold moves toward industrial and economic independence—unprecedented in most of Africa except perhaps South Africa and Nigeria.
Such progress directly threatens the imperialist agenda, which sees Africa as a mere resource provider and market for Western goods.
The patriotic governments of the AES countries offer a new model for the rest of Africa—an enduring and inspiring experience, led by:
– President GOÏTA (Mali)
– President TRAORÉ (Burkina Faso)
– President TIANI (Niger)
DOWN WITH IMPERIALISM!
NO TO GENOCIDE IN GAZA!
LONG LIVE THE AES!
Prof. Philippe Toyo Noudjenoumè
President, Coordinating Council – WAPO
