Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—three West African nations currently under military rule—have officially completed their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the regional organization confirmed on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This marks the end of a year-long process during which ECOWAS attempted to prevent the unprecedented breakup of the bloc.
ECOWAS stated in a release that the departure, initially announced in January 2023, “takes full effect as of today.” Despite the formal exit, the organization emphasized its commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with the three nations and urged member states to continue extending certain membership benefits, such as visa-free travel within the region using ECOWAS passports.
“allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence, and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice,” the release stated.
Founded in 1975, ECOWAS was established to foster economic collaboration, integration, and stability across West Africa, with the ultimate aim of improving living standards for its citizens. Over the decades, it has evolved into the region’s leading political and economic authority, working closely with member states to address challenges ranging from governance and security to economic development.
However, the bloc has faced growing criticism in recent years, with many West Africans accusing it of failing to adequately represent their interests. Critics argue that despite the region’s abundant natural resources, ordinary citizens have seen little benefit, fueling discontent and eroding trust in the organization.
Read More:
- Hands Across the World NGO Launches with a Generous Donation to St. Augustine’s Practice JHS
- Key Appointments Approved for Office of the Vice President
- SZA to Join Kendrick Lamar for Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
Fidel Amakye Owusu, an international relations and security analyst for Riley Risk blamed ECOWAS for lacking proactive measures to prevent the wave of coup that swept over the region.
“[ECOWAS] didn’t handle the situation very well,” he said, highlighting that the threat to invade Niger after its military takeover was a particularly “bad move. They knew very well that they could not prosecute, and that really rendered them as toothless bulldogs,” he said.
The military-led governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which seized power in recent years, have been vocal in their dissatisfaction with ECOWAS. In September 2023, the three nations formed their own coalition, the Alliance of Sahel States, focusing on mutual security and regional cooperation. Their decision to leave ECOWAS signifies a broader shift in West Africa’s political landscape, as nations increasingly seek alternatives to traditional regional frameworks.
A security consultant, Prof. Kwesi Anning has however argued that the presence of President Ibrahim Traoré and representatives of other military regime states at the inauguration of President John Mahama is symbolic of their willingness to return to the bloc.
While ECOWAS has expressed regret over the withdrawal, it remains to be seen how the bloc will adapt to this new reality and whether it can regain the confidence of both its remaining members and the wider West African population.