The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), that includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has taken another decisive step toward regional integration following its recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). On February 22, the new flag was unveiled and symbolizes the bloc’s growing autonomy as it seeks to redefine its political, economic, and security structures outside the influence of French imperialism and Western neoliberal frameworks.
The new flag showcases the AES logo: an orange sun radiating over a sturdy baobab tree. Beneath the tree, a group of silhouetted figures gathers, symbolizing unity. The flag also features an outline of the three combined AES territories, now presented without the borders that once separated them. Set against a green background, the design represents growth, hope, diversity, and renewal—reflecting both the promise of the alliance’s future and the vast natural resources of its member nations.
The alliance, formed in September 2023, has prioritized breaking away from long-standing colonial-era ties and creating a self-sufficient regional entity. In addition to unveiling a new flag, the three Sahelian nations have introduced measures aimed at deepening integration. They launched a Sahel-wide passport system and established a joint military force to deepen military coordination in order to combat jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated groups, which have destabilized the Sahel region for over a decade. Joint military operations have been launched along their borders, focusing on disrupting terrorist networks and protecting civilians.
The decision to exit ECOWAS, announced in January 2024, was framed as a necessary move to counter what the AES states described as the regional bloc’s failure to respect their sovereignty. In recent years, ECOWAS imposed sanctions and restrictions on Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in response to popular military takeovers in each country. However, the AES governments argue that ECOWAS policies were dictated by Western interests, particularly France, which has historically maintained economic and military control over West African nations.
Following their departure from ECOWAS, the AES states have also outlined plans to establish a single currency, further consolidating economic independence. This move is seen as an effort to reduce reliance on the West African CFA franc, a currency that has long been tied to the French Treasury and has been criticized for perpetuating economic dependency.
Dismantling colonial legacy
The Sahel alliance has actively engaged in decolonization efforts, both symbolic and structural. In Burkina Faso, the government has removed British and French-style judicial wigs traditionally worn by judges, marking a break from colonial judicial norms. Across the three nations, colonial-era monuments and street names are being replaced with symbols that reflect indigenous heritage and anti-colonial resistance.
Moreover, military agreements with France have been terminated. French troops were expelled from Mali in 2022 and later from Burkina Faso and Niger, following widespread protests against France’s military presence and accusations that it was exacerbating instability rather than addressing security concerns.
The AES’s push for self-reliance continues amid heightened geopolitical shifts in Africa, where many nations are reconsidering their alliances and economic models. The trio’s bold moves have drawn popular support as many on the continent hail them as a necessary assertion of sovereignty and a model for other African nations seeking autonomy and Pan-Africanist aspirations across the continent.
This article originally appeared in People’s Dispatch on March 5th, 2025
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