In a groundbreaking decision, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) leaders have allowed Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, all ruled by military juntas, to withdraw from the bloc. The three countries, significant founding members of Ecowas, have been given a six-month period to reconsider their decision after rejecting a call for a return to democratic governance. This marks the first exit of countries from the regional grouping since its inception in 1975, gravely impacting Ecowas' ambitions for political and economic integration.
Western Africa's Ecowas Faces Historic Withdrawal of Military Rulers
Western Africa's Ecowas Faces Historic Withdrawal of Military Rulers
The West African bloc faces unprecedented challenges as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso plan to exit Ecowas, impacting regional integration efforts.
The move came amidst rising tensions between the bloc and the military governments, following coups in all three nations from 2020 to 2023. Facing demands from Ecowas to restore civilian rule, the juntas have reaffirmed their intention to leave, creating a new alliance known as the Alliance of Sahelian States (ASS). This development poses a threat to the unified movement for economic collaboration and stability in West Africa.
As Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso prepare to formally exit in January 2025, Ecowas will lose over 76 million people—around 17% of its total population—along with a significant portion of its land area. Despite their withdrawal, ASS leaders have indicated intentions to maintain friendly relations with Ecowas citizens, announcing plans for visa-free travel and residency rights within their new alliance.
Negotiations are ongoing to potentially integrate the departing states back into Ecowas if their leadership shifts. Ecowas officials remain hopeful for a resolution that could restore the community's integrity and strengthen regional cooperation against economic and security challenges, exacerbated by the move of the military juntas toward Russian alliances for support against rising jihadist threats in the region.
As Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso prepare to formally exit in January 2025, Ecowas will lose over 76 million people—around 17% of its total population—along with a significant portion of its land area. Despite their withdrawal, ASS leaders have indicated intentions to maintain friendly relations with Ecowas citizens, announcing plans for visa-free travel and residency rights within their new alliance.
Negotiations are ongoing to potentially integrate the departing states back into Ecowas if their leadership shifts. Ecowas officials remain hopeful for a resolution that could restore the community's integrity and strengthen regional cooperation against economic and security challenges, exacerbated by the move of the military juntas toward Russian alliances for support against rising jihadist threats in the region.
