Originally established in 2023 as a security alliance among the military governments of these countries—each coming to power through coups—the Alliance of Sahel States has evolved. It now aims to become an economic union, with plans for biometric passports and stronger economic and military collaboration.
The tax, finalized last Friday and effective immediately, applies to all goods imported from outside the three nations, exempting humanitarian aid. The revenue is intended to “support the bloc’s activities,” although no additional details were provided.
This decision marks the end of free trade across West Africa, which had been facilitated by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) for decades. It also highlights a growing divide between the three Saharan-bordering nations and democracies like Nigeria and Ghana to the south.
Additionally, Niger has withdrawn from an international coalition combatting Islamist militants in West Africa’s Lake Chad region to focus on securing its oil-rich territories.
The three military juntas had declared their intention to exit Ecowas last year, accusing the bloc of failing to address the ongoing Islamist insurgencies. Attempts by Ecowas to restore constitutional governance through economic, political, and financial sanctions have yielded little success.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain among the world’s poorest nations, severely impacted by over a decade of violent Islamist insurgencies. These attacks, carried out by groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS, have caused significant casualties, displaced millions, and eroded public confidence in the democratically elected governments that initially struggled to manage the crisis.