<h1>ECOWAS Influence Diminished as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Exit to Form Alliance of Sahel States, Ties with Russia Strengthen</h1> West Africa's ECOWAS faces challenges after Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso left to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), weakening the bloc's influence. The countries exited following harsh sanctions imposed by ECOWAS in response to coups, accusing the bloc of straying from its founding ideals. The AES has severed military ties with Western nations and turned to Russia. Despite ECOWAS's attempts to ease tensions, the AES remains firm in its stance. Trade continues under the West African Economic and Monetary Union, but concerns persist about ECOWAS's ability to address regional security issues and attract investments.