AES: a new era of regional integration in West Africa

After decades of ineffective partnerships with former colonial powers, these nations have chosen to prioritize regional unity to address pressing security and economic challenges. And the first results are already visible: joint anti-terror operations have been strengthened, military coordination has improved, and trade exchanges have increased.

The AES is not only stabilizing its own territories—it is also inspiring its neighbors. Togo, for instance, has repeatedly expressed interest in joining the Alliance, underscoring the growing appeal of this model of integration. The country’s foreign affairs minister recently emphasized the need for strong regional cooperation to confront shared threats.

This shift comes as ECOWAS faces growing criticism over its inability to address mounting security crises. Countries like Benin and Togo—once relatively untouched by terrorism—are now facing a surge in attacks.

Amid this growing instability, the AES countries are emerging as pioneers. Their now-coordinated armed forces are launching targeted offensives against jihadist groups, forcing many of them to retreat into neighboring states.

This strategy starkly highlights the shortcomings of the national defense systems of non-aligned countries, such as Benin, where the presence of foreign troops has failed to prevent a resurgence of deadly attacks. The AES example demonstrates that an endogenous approach rooted in regional solidarity may offer more viable solutions than inherited military dependencies.

Senegal, increasingly aware of these challenges, is also strengthening its ties with the Alliance. A recent visit by General Birame Diop, Senegal’s Minister of Armed Forces, to Niger illustrates this shift. The meeting, held with President Abdourrahmane Tiani and senior Nigerien officials, while not heavily publicized, signals a growing desire to deepen both bilateral and regional cooperation.