Gom Mirian
The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS.
The leaders of the three Sahel nations on Sunday released a statement saying it was a “sovereign decision” to leave the Economic Community of West African States “without delay”.
Tensions between the regimes and ECOWAS have been mounting since last year’s coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, coupled with ongoing struggles against jihadist violence and poverty.
In response, ECOWAS had suspended all three countries, with Niger and Mali facing heavy sanctions.
In recent months, the regimes have further solidified their positions by forming an “Alliance of Sahel States.” However, the withdrawal of French military forces in the Sahel has raised concerns about the potential spread of conflicts southward to the Gulf of Guinea states such as Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast.
On Thursday, Niger’s military-appointed prime minister criticized ECOWAS for what he deemed as “bad faith.” The bloc had largely avoided a planned meeting in Niamey, leaving Niger hoping for an opportunity to address differences and conflicts with fellow ECOWAS member states.
However, Niamey has been cold-shouldered by ECOWAS, which imposed severe economic and financial sanctions following the military coup d’état that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
As the Sahel nations step away from ECOWAS, the region faces an uncertain and potentially volatile future. The withdrawal not only weakens the West African bloc but also raises questions about regional security and the ability to combat jihadist violence and address pressing socio-economic challenges.
