Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a decision set to take effect on January 29, 2025.
This development was confirmed in a communiqué issued at the end of the 66th ECOWAS Summit, held at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The communiqué stated: “The authority takes note of the notification by Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.” It further noted that, in line with the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, the three countries will no longer be part of the regional bloc starting from January 29, 2025.”
The withdrawal aligns with Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, which allows member states to leave the bloc following proper notification and adherence to specific procedures.
Although the communiqué did not elaborate on the reasons for the exit, tensions between ECOWAS and the three countries have been escalating. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all governed by military juntas following coups, have clashed with ECOWAS over its pro-democracy stance and its imposition of sanctions against unconstitutional changes in governance.
The military leaders in these nations have repeatedly accused ECOWAS of bias, alleging that the bloc prioritizes the interests of certain member states while neglecting the security and economic challenges faced by others.
They have also expressed dissatisfaction with ECOWAS’s responses to the rising threat of terrorism in the Sahel region.
The departure of these three countries from ECOWAS marks a significant shift in the regional bloc’s composition. Together, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger form a contiguous geographical zone in the Sahel, representing a large portion of West Africa’s landmass and a critical front in the fight against terrorism.
Their exit is expected to affect regional cooperation on trade, security, and economic policies, as well as the collective efforts to combat extremist groups operating across their borders.
It may also lead to a realignment of alliances within the region, as the three nations have strengthened ties with other international actors, including Russia, in recent years.
The ECOWAS leadership expressed regret over the decision but reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic principles and supporting member states in navigating political and security challenges.
During the summit, ECOWAS Chairperson President Bola Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and dialogue in addressing disputes, urging member states to prioritize regional stability. However, no indication was given of efforts to reverse the decisions of the departing nations.
The departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signals a growing divide within West Africa. Analysts believe their exit could weaken ECOWAS’s influence in the region, especially in addressing military interventions and ensuring adherence to democratic norms.
As the January 2025 deadline approaches, the focus will shift to how ECOWAS adapts to this shift and what it means for the future of regional integration and cooperation in West Africa.
