Decolonial Identities and Citizenships: The Case of Alliance of Sahel States (AES)

The myth of decolonization and the resulting so-called “flag independence” achieved during the 20^th century continue to perpetuate the illusion of freedom and autonomy in Africa. This process, widely perceived as “unfinished”, has been held hostage by the “cognitive empire” or “metaphysical empire”, resulting in the production of a deep system of alienation and reinforcing a mentality of dependence on European models.

Since 2020, waves of uprisings have spread from West to East Africa, demanding freedom from imperialist powers and condemning corrupt local elites. Within this framework, the formation of Alliance of Sahel States (AES), between Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, has resulted in a reconfiguration of the geopolitical space in the Sahel region, representing a significant experiment of pan-African unity and cooperation.

The newborn confederation draws upon a shared vision of decolonization and a common historical past to challenge the colonial artificial boundaries inherited at independence, thereby emphasizing African autonomy and right to self-determination. In doing this, the Sahelian tripartite alliance, rooted in its anti-colonial foundation, represents therefore a counter-narrative that challenges and deconstructs colonial legacy and Westphalian paradigm, attempting to reshape the so-called post-colonial political space.

Although predicting the success of AES political agenda, including the project of a common citizenship that transcends colonial borders and guarantees free movement, is challenging, the Sahelian coups and the subsequent alliance need to be seen as fundamental “pieces” within a broader framework.

Rather than interpreting the coup d’états in Sahel merely as pawns within the global order, this paper aims to analyze the newly formed AES confederation as the result of popular struggle and the attempt to establish a new political-territorial identity, namely as the continuation of the anti-colonial path and decolonization process.