AES and ECOWAS: what are the differences?
Jun 15, 2026
A factual comparison of the AES and ECOWAS: their nature, goals and governance, and the consequences of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso leaving ECOWAS.
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AES and ECOWAS: what are the differences?
A factual comparison of the AES and ECOWAS: their nature, goals and governance, and the consequences of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso leaving ECOWAS.
Topics
AES
The Alliance of Sahel States: origins, institutions, security, economy and external relations.
Armed groups
Understanding the Sahel's jihadist groups: JNIM, AQIM, ISGS, modus operandi and financing.
Sovereignty
Sovereignty and military transitions in the Sahel: coups, the sovereignty narrative and governance.
Geopolitics
The geopolitics of the Sahel: Wagner, Africa Corps, French withdrawal, external actors and influence.
Azawad & Tuareg
The Tuareg question and northern Mali rebellions: Azawad, FLA, the Algiers accord and long history.
Resources
Gold, uranium and resources: the political economy of the Sahel, dependencies and conflict financing.
Humanitarian
The humanitarian crisis in the Sahel: displacement, civilians, food insecurity and conflict impact.