Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, three junta-led countries in the Sahel, have formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after over a year of diplomatic strain.
The exit, which took place on Wednesday, marks a significant turning point for the region’s most influential political and trade bloc, coinciding with ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary this year.
The rupture follows a series of coups that have swept across the region, starting with Mali in 2020, followed by Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in July 2023. The ECOWAS bloc, which had initially threatened military intervention in Niger to reinstate its ousted president, imposed severe economic sanctions, which were later lifted.
These tensions escalated when the three countries, founding members of ECOWAS, announced their decision to withdraw in January 2024. However, ECOWAS rules required a one-year notice for the decision to take effect.
In response to their departure, the three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new confederation aimed at strengthening political and economic ties within the region. This move has left ECOWAS grappling with its future direction and internal unity. Omar Alieu Touray, head of ECOWAS, emphasized the bloc’s commitment to keeping its doors open, stating that any state could rejoin the community at any time. “We look forward to those discussions,” he said at a press conference in Abuja.
Despite their exit, ECOWAS has assured that citizens of the three countries will continue to benefit from visa-free movement, residence, and establishment under existing protocols. Additionally, goods and services from the three countries will be treated in line with ECOWAS regulations until a new decision is reached.
The military leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have voiced their dissatisfaction with ECOWAS, accusing the group of failing to address security concerns such as jihadist uprisings and being overly aligned with France, the former colonial power. In a shift away from their historical ties with France, the three nations have sought military support from Russia, Iran, and Turkey.
As ECOWAS navigates this unprecedented withdrawal, several member states, including Togo and Ghana, have already normalized relations with the three countries. Ghana’s new president, John Mahama, has appointed a special envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States, signaling ongoing regional realignments.
