In a surprising move, the military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have jointly announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS, deeming it a threat to member states.
The Sahel nations, grappling with jihadist violence and poverty, cited a “sovereign decision” to leave the Economic Community of West African States without delay.
Tensions between the regimes and ECOWAS escalated after coups in Niger (July 2022), Burkina Faso (2022), and Mali (2020).
The three founding members, suspended from ECOWAS and facing sanctions, criticized the bloc’s approach and formed an “Alliance of Sahel States.”
The joint statement by the leaders accused ECOWAS, influenced by foreign powers, of betraying its founding principles and becoming a threat to member states and their people.
The military regimes argue that ECOWAS failed to effectively address jihadist challenges that swept across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Amid this geopolitical shift, France’s withdrawal from the Sahel region, replaced by Russian involvement, raises concerns about the potential spread of conflicts southward to Gulf of Guinea states, including Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast.
The prime minister appointed by Niger’s regime criticized ECOWAS for “bad faith” as the bloc shunned a planned meeting in Niamey.
Niger faces economic and financial sanctions following a military coup, and the military leaders seek up to three years for a transition back to civilian rule.
Mali’s ruling officers, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, initially pledged February elections but have postponed them to an unknown date.
Burkina Faso, yet to face sanctions, aims for summer elections, however said that the fight against insurgents is the priority.
