In a significant move, Mali and Burkina Faso formally notified the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday about their withdrawal from the regional bloc, citing concerns about sovereignty. Niger is also expected to follow suit. The military regimes in these countries had previously announced their intentions to withdraw, claiming that ECOWAS posed a threat to their autonomy.
Mali’s foreign affairs ministry shared a copy of the withdrawal letter it sent to ECOWAS, and Burkina Faso’s official news agency reported the submission of an official notice. While no information emerged from Niger, statements from its neighboring countries emphasized the collective nature of their decision.
ECOWAS, in a prior statement, mentioned that it was awaiting “formal and direct notification” from the concerned countries. According to the bloc’s statutes, the withdrawal cannot take effect until at least a year after the official notification.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, founding members of ECOWAS in 1975, faced sanctions from the regional group following military coups that ousted elected civilian governments.
On Sunday, the three nations, now forming an Alliance of Sahel States (AES), jointly criticized ECOWAS, alleging that it had succumbed to the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles and becoming a threat to member states and their people.
Nigeria, a regional powerhouse and the host of ECOWAS, expressed sadness over the departure of the three countries. In a late Monday statement, Nigeria reiterated its commitment to due process and the protection of the rights and welfare of all ECOWAS citizens. The foreign ministry’s statement mentioned Nigeria’s efforts to resolve challenges within ECOWAS, emphasizing that not all members shared the same commitment to good faith.
The statement from Lagos emphasized Nigeria’s openness for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It called on the international community to continue supporting ECOWAS and its vision of closer regional partnership, cooperation, and integration.
