Military Regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Announce Withdrawal from ECOWAS

The military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have collectively declared their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This decision was communicated in a joint statement released on Sunday by the leaders of the three Sahel nations.

In their statement, the military juntas cited their departure from ECOWAS as a “sovereign decision” made without delay.

The three countries had previously been suspended from ECOWAS, with Niger and Mali facing substantial sanctions.

Following their expulsion from ECOWAS, the military regimes have taken a firm stance and forged an “Alliance of Sahel States.”

Niger, in particular, expressed disappointment at ECOWAS’s treatment, stating that it had hoped for dialogue to resolve differences.

Instead, ECOWAS imposed severe economic and financial sanctions on Niamey following the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The joint statement expressed regret, bitterness, and disappointment that ECOWAS had allegedly strayed from the ideals of its founding fathers and Pan-Africanism.

The military regimes accused ECOWAS of failing to support their states in the fight against terrorism and insecurity.

They further criticized the organization for allegedly adopting an irrational and unacceptable stance by imposing what they deemed as illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions.

The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS marks a significant development in the region, signaling a shift in their relationship with the regional bloc amid ongoing political and security challenges.