Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Exit ECOWAS, Clearing Path for Sahel Region Formation
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, marking a significant shift in the region’s political and economic landscape. The decision comes after more than a year of diplomatic tensions and paves the way for the establishment of the proposed ‘Sahel Region.’
In a press release issued yesterday, ECOWAS confirmed that the three nations will no longer be part of the regional bloc. However, the organization urged its remaining 12 member states to continue recognizing the national passports of the departing countries and to maintain trade relations with them until further notice.
ECOWAS President Omar Touray, speaking to journalists in Abuja, described the move as being in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the best interest of the people of the region and Africa at large. He also noted that the bloc had extended an invitation to the three countries for a technical meeting, emphasizing that any member state is welcome to return.
Relations between the trio and ECOWAS deteriorated following the July 2023 coup that ousted Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum. A build up to this was the The regional bloc responded by demanding his reinstatement and threatening military intervention. In reaction, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their departure in January 2024, accusing ECOWAS of failing to protect its member states and aligning too closely with foreign interests.
“Alliance of Sahel States“, has been propsed and being strengthened with connection to other regional powers aside thd United States, France and England.
Their goal is to address both internal security challenges—including jihadist insurgencies and armed groups—as well as external political pressures.
ECOWAS, came into existence in 1975. Following the coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso which bacame a quagmire, a six-month grace period was left for reconsideration which elapsed on the 29th January, 2025.
However, some citizens of ECOWAS member States expressed displeasure at such a move, while citizens of the three counties showed their approval through rallies and jubilation.
