Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic have declared their abrupt withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing a “sovereign decision.”
The leaders of these Sahel nations released a joint statement on January 28, 2024, asserting their immediate exit from ECOWAS, contending that the regional bloc has deviated from the principles of its founders and pan-Africanism over its nearly 50 years of existence.
The withdrawal is described as a move rooted in their perception of ECOWAS no longer aligning with their national interests and ideals.
“Furthermore, ECOWAS, under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has become a threat to its member states and its populations whose happiness it is supposed to ensure,” part of the statement reads.
Facing challenges from jihadist violence and economic struggles, the governments of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have strained relations with ECOWAS since experiencing coups in recent years.
Suspended from ECOWAS and facing sanctions, the three nations have solidified their stance by forming an “Alliance of Sahel States.”
Tensions have escalated, especially with a French military withdrawal from the Sahel region, prompting concerns about the potential spread of conflicts toward Gulf of Guinea states.
Niger’s military-appointed prime minister criticized ECOWAS for “bad faith” as the bloc largely avoided a planned meeting in Niamey, exacerbating existing differences.
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