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HomeNewsMali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Officially Withdraw from Ecowas

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Officially Withdraw from Ecowas

 

Three West African countries under military rule – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – have formally exited the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). This move comes after over a year of diplomatic tensions between the countries and the regional bloc.

The withdrawal is a substantial blow to Ecowas, which has been a cornerstone of regional integration in West Africa since its inception in 1975. Ecowas had 15 member states before the withdrawal, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. The bloc promoted economic and political cooperation, allowing citizens to live and work freely across member states and facilitating the exchange of goods.

The rift between Ecowas and the three Sahel countries began when the military seized power in Niger in 2023, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020. Ecowas imposed sanctions on Niger, including border closures and a no-fly zone, which the countries deemed “inhuman.” The three nations have since pivoted towards Russia, accusing Ecowas of being too closely aligned with Western powers.

The withdrawal may have significant implications for the three countries, which are among the poorest in the region. Analysts warn that they may struggle outside the bloc, as their economies rely heavily on their West African neighbors. However, the countries claim that they will experience greater sovereignty and independence from foreign influence.

Ecowas has expressed its willingness to maintain relationships with the departing countries, stating that it will continue to recognize their passports and identity cards. The bloc has also offered a six-month grace period for the countries to reconsider their withdrawal.

The development has sparked mixed reactions from residents of the three countries. While some celebrated the withdrawal, others expressed concerns about the potential economic and administrative consequences. As one resident noted, “I would have liked them to overcome their differences because we have a common space, same people with historical similarities and same economic realities” .

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