Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially announced they will leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
ECOWAS Commission President, Alieu Touray, made the declaration during the 66th ordinary session of heads of states.
The withdrawal is set to take effect from January 29, 2025, marking the countries’ formal exit from the regional bloc.
The decision follows a history of tensions between these nations and ECOWAS, especially after military coups in 2022.
Previously, the three countries were suspended from ECOWAS, and both Niger and Mali faced severe sanctions.
The military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had already signaled their intent to exit earlier this year.
In a joint statement, the three nations criticized ECOWAS for allegedly favoring the interests of France, their former colonial power.
They emphasized that the withdrawal was final and irreversible, asserting their desire to pursue a new direction.
The announcement was made ahead of a key ECOWAS summit scheduled for Sunday, aimed at finding a diplomatic resolution.
President Touray mentioned that the exit date provides room for last-minute mediation and possible diplomatic interventions.
He emphasized that this timeframe ensures all opportunities for peaceful resolution are explored.
The ECOWAS bloc had hoped to negotiate with the military regimes and retain the three countries within the organization.
This decision marks a significant shift in the region’s political dynamics and has the potential to reshape the future of West Africa.
As January 2025 approaches, the implications of this withdrawal will unfold, impacting both ECOWAS and the three countries.
