The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, has celebrated its one-year anniversary since leaving the Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS). The decision to leave ECOWAS was met with complications, including economic sanctions and backlash from Western governments. However, the AES countries have stood strong, insisting that their exit from ECOWAS and the formation of their new regional bloc would be the status quo.

The celebration was marked with a flag-raising ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, featuring the flags of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the AES. Additionally, a rally was held at Nation Square in the capital city, attended by Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo. Participants hoisted effigies of Sahel States Alliance officials and held posters reading "Down with the rotten ECOWAS, long live the AES!" The crowd also participated in chanting the national song, Ditanye.

Similar rallies were held in the capital city of Niger, Niamey, where members of the National Council attended for the Protection of the Homeland. Thousands of Nigerien citizens marched through the capital city to show their support for the country's exit from ECOWAS. During the event, members symbolically "buried" an effigy dressed in a shroud featuring the organization's insignia. According to a Sputnik journalist, several protestors hoisted Russian flags, indicating Russia's support for the AES.

The three West African nations that make up the AES abruptly left ECOWAS in January 2024, citing the organization's lack of support for their attempts to combat terrorism, as well as its subservience to former colonial power France. ECOWAS swiftly responded to their separation with a declaration that it would take all necessary actions to restore the states to their original bloc, including imposing economic penalties on them.

However, in December, ECOWAS officially approved the Alliance of Sahel States' exit from the organization. The declaration was made by Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, on December 15th at the 66th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government in Abuja. This approval has given the AES a sense of legitimacy and recognition, despite the initial backlash.

The implications of the AES's independence from ECOWAS are far-reaching. The formation of the new regional bloc has significant economic and political implications for the region. The AES countries have shown that they are willing to take a stand against what they perceive as external interference and dominance, and instead, forge their own path.

The celebration of the AES's one-year anniversary serves as a testament to the region's resilience and determination. Despite the challenges and obstacles, the AES countries have remained committed to their decision, and their independence has given them a sense of autonomy and self-determination.

As the AES continues to navigate its new status, it remains to be seen how the region will evolve and develop. However, one thing is certain - the AES's independence from ECOWAS marks a significant shift in the regional dynamics, and its implications will be felt for years to come.