The military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stating that the regional bloc had become a threat to its member states. The joint statement issued by the leaders of these Sahel nations emphasized that this decision was a “sovereign” one, signaling a shift in their relationship with ECOWAS.
These countries, grappling with challenges such as jihadist violence and poverty, have experienced strained ties with ECOWAS since coups occurred in Niger last July, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020. Despite being founding members of ECOWAS in 1975, the trio faced suspension from the bloc, with Niger and Mali enduring substantial sanctions, as ECOWAS sought to reinstate civilian governments through early elections.
Describing the sanctions as “irrational and unacceptable,” the leaders argued that ECOWAS failed to support their efforts in addressing jihadist threats that swept through Mali in 2012 and subsequently affected Burkina Faso and Niger. In recent months, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have strengthened their positions, forming an “Alliance of Sahel States” to collectively address regional challenges.
The joint statement also accused ECOWAS, comprising 15 member states, of betraying its founding principles under the influence of foreign powers. Despite the potential consequences, such as increased trade difficulties and re-imposition of visa requirements, the three land-locked nations have decided to take their destiny into their own hands.
The withdrawal from ECOWAS has broader implications, including the possibility of trade becoming more cumbersome and expensive for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Furthermore, travel may be affected as visa requirements could be reintroduced.
Notably, under pressure from the military regimes, France has withdrawn ambassadors and troops from the region, allowing Russia to fill the vacuum both militarily and politically.
This development raises concerns about the potential southward spread of conflicts to Gulf of Guinea states such as Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast, especially following the French army’s withdrawal from the Sahel region along the Sahara desert.