West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, has officially lost three of its member states as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso finalized their withdrawal today. The move follows prolonged tensions between the military-led governments of these countries and the organization. Our diplomatic correspondent, Ama Marcus has details
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have formally ceased to be members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as of Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Their withdrawal marks the conclusion of a year-long standoff with the regional bloc, which had sought to prevent their exit following a series of military takeovers in the three nations. The decision was acknowledged during the ECOWAS summit in December 2024, where leaders confirmed that the withdrawal process would be completed today.
Despite their departure, ECOWAS has urged its remaining member states to extend certain privileges to the three Sahel nations. These include allowing their citizens to continue enjoying free movement within the region with an ECOWAS passport and ensuring that trade policies remain in line with the bloc’s regulations. This move appears aimed at maintaining economic and social ties, even as political relations remain strained.
ECOWAS, established in 1975, has long been regarded as West Africa’s top political and economic authority, with a core mission to promote regional integration. However, the military governments in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have increasingly distanced themselves from the bloc. In 2023, the three nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), signaling a shift in political alliances amid growing dissatisfaction with ECOWAS policies.
Their withdrawal comes in the wake of military coups that reshaped leadership in Mali in 2020, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023.
As Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso forge a new path outside ECOWAS, questions remain about the long-term impact on regional stability, trade, and security.
