The military administrations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger officially announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing it as a threat to member states.
The ECOWAS Commission proposed a “negotiated solution,” but the Presidency contended that, due to suspension, the three countries were technically not ECOWAS members.
Leaders of these Sahel nations defended their exit from ECOWAS as a “sovereign decision.” Grappling with jihadist violence and poverty, these regimes had strained relations with ECOWAS since coups in Niger (2023), Burkina Faso (2022), and Mali (2020).
All three, foundational members of ECOWAS in 1975, faced suspension and substantial sanctions for the bloc’s efforts to restore civilian governments with elections post-coups. The leaders criticized the sanctions as “irrational and unacceptable,” expressing their commitment to taking control after the coups.
The three nations solidified their stance, forming an “Alliance of Sahel States.” They accused ECOWAS, now a 15-member body, of betraying its principles and becoming a threat under foreign influence, particularly for neglecting jihadist challenges.
In response, the ECOWAS Commission stated: “The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw from the community. However, the ECOWAS Commission has been working diligently with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order.”
Recall that the July 26, 2023 coup in Niger Republic dealt the latest blow in a succession of blows to democratic governance in the West African sub region, after military takeovers in Mali and Burkina Faso in 2021 and 2022.
While the EU, US, and allies placed hope in Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum for stability, Islamist militants intensified violence in Mali and Burkina Faso. Despite Bazoum’s non-military security initiatives, a coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani unfolded.
Niger’s donors, neighbors, and security partners were divided over dealing with the new military leadership. France withdrew its ambassador, and ECOWAS imposed severe sanctions on Niger, including freezing transactions with member states and halting electricity exports.
The EU supported ECOWAS in demanding Bazoum’s reinstatement. While some EU states preferred a less rigid approach, France’s stance limited the EU’s influence with the junta.
On September 15, Mali and Burkina Faso, both experiencing recent coups, signed a mutual defense pact with Niger’s military rulers. The potential for military involvement raised concerns about regional chaos, emphasizing that such intervention could undermine ECOWAS, especially if accusations of French manipulation persist.