MEMBERS of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have affirmed their determination to leave the bloc of west African states.

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) decided at its summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja last week to extend a dialogue with AES members Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso over their withdrawal for six months.

The AES members had said they intended to leave the bloc in January 2025 and accused the former colonial ruler France of exploiting the regional bloc.