Why Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Made Shocking Exit from ECOWAS

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, led by military governments, have decided to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The key reasons cited for their departure include:

1. ECOWAS as a Threat: The three nations accuse ECOWAS of becoming a threat to its member states and populations. They argue that the regional bloc, allegedly under the influence of foreign powers, has betrayed its founding principles.
2. Lack of Support: The countries claim that ECOWAS failed to support their fight against terrorism and insecurity. Additionally, they criticize the regional body for imposing what they consider to be “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions.”

Despite their announcement, ECOWAS states that it has not been officially notified of the decision, and according to its protocol, withdrawal could take up to one year to be completed. The regional bloc expressed its commitment to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.

The context of this withdrawal is set against a backdrop of political instability in the region, marked by military coups in Mali (2020, 2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023). ECOWAS responded by suspending the three countries and imposing heavy sanctions.

Although there was an attempt by Niger to mend ties with ECOWAS, only a representative from Togo showed up, leading to dissatisfaction expressed by Niger’s army-appointed prime minister.

The military leadership of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have joined forces in the “Alliance of Sahel States” to address the rise of violent armed groups in their countries. Notably, the three nations have also cut military ties with France, their former colonial power, following the French military withdrawal and economic sanctions, raising concerns about potential security threats spreading southwards.

The overall situation in West Africa is characterized by heightened insecurity, with more than 1,800 attacks recorded in the first six months of 2023, resulting in significant human casualties and dire humanitarian consequences.