Inside the Alliance of Sahel States

The Western Africa franc is backed by the French central bank, and West African countries are required to deposit 50% of their foreign exchange reserves into the French Treasury, significantly limiting their monetary sovereignty. Although ECOWAS has proposed the introduction of a new regional currency, the ECO, it remains pegged to the euro, thus failing to truly break free from French influence. These explained why the Sahel States are calling for anti-colonialism so desperately. Of course, this is also a perfect flag for these military regimes to gain legitimacy and support (the current governments of all three Sahel countries came to power through military coups). 

To truly realize independence, the Sahel States have taken many measures. Politically, the three countries have withdrawn from the OIF, criticizing this organization as a tool of French neocolonialism. Burkina Faso has further symbolized its break from colonial legacy by removing French as its official language, while Niger has renamed colonial-era landmarks (e.g., changing Place de la Francophonie to Place de la Union de Sahel). 

Relations between the three nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been tense. ECOWAS was established in 1975 to promote economic integration in West Africa, but its policies have long been influenced by former colonial powers such as France. ECOWAS-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) took 20 years to negotiate, and ECOWAS was forced to accept unequal terms (such as gradually setting zero tax barrier for 75% of EU’s commodities). Following military coups that overturn democratically elected governments and established military regimes, ECOWAS imposed sanctions, including asset freezes, trade bans, and threats of military intervention. These measures were seen by the three countries as interference in their domestic affairs, with ECOWAS perceived as a tool controlled by foreign powers to undermine the sovereignty of its member states. In response, the three nations jointly withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2024, criticizing the organization as being manipulated by France and perpetuating neocolonial interests. Ecowas approved the formal withdrawal of the three countries on 29 January 2025, but granted a six-month transition period, with a hope that the countries might change their minds, though the three countries have refused this option, claiming that their decision is irreversible. 

Besides seeking political independence, Sahel states are also seeking to build stronger and more independent economy. Sahel states had re-examined the contracts with foreign capitals to ensure the interest of their own people. For example, Niger has ended Areva’s uranium monopoly and turned to new partners such as Russia and Turkey; Mali has re-examined the gold mining deals with western companies, calling for higher local revenue sharing. They are also trying to etablish a confederate economic mechanism to cut reliance on Europe, as they planned to establish Sahel Investment Bank to reduce reliance on the West African franc. However, the attempts for economic independence have harmed the interest of some Western nations, and they are adding more pressures by imposing sanctions to this fragile economy. The trade ban has led to a severe inflation in the Sahel region, and economic independence remains under pressure. 

Though the withdrawal of French troops seemed to mark an important step to the region’s independence, the terrorist organizations have become more active in Western Africa, despite the military efforts made by the AES. As an alternative to French, Russians are invited to fill up the vacuum of anti-terrorism in Western Africa. Russia provides counter-terrorism support through private military companies (formerly Wagner, now reorganized as Afrika Korps), including training local troops and participating in combat operations. In return, Russia could buy Niger’s uranium and Mali’s gold at “reasonable prices” in exchange for military and economic aid, weakening France’s resource monopoly. However, there exists concerns that Russia is more focused on resource interests than long-term counterterrorism. After getting rid of the reliance over France, the AES becomes more dependent on Russia. 

The Sahel states’ bold moves have signaled an important chapter in Africa’s real independence, but the outcome remains uncertain. While distancing themselves from France, they risk falling into new dependencies. Meanwhile, as all three regimes emerged from military coups, there remains suspicion that the anti-colonial rhetoric is merely a tool to gain domestic legitimacy. But regardless of their motives, their actions reflect frustrations with past exploitation and represent a genuine desire for sovereignty and dignity.

By Xingchen Liu