Sahel Military Juntas Quit ECOWAS See Why 

iexclusivenews – Three West African nations, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, sent shockwaves through the region on Sunday as they announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This sensational move, dubbed a “sovereign decision” in a joint statement, marks a dramatic escalation in already tense relations between the Sahel states and the regional bloc.

What is ECOWAS?

ECOWAS stands for the Economic Community of West African States, a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa.

The bloc was established in 1975 with the aim of promoting economic integration and cooperation among its member states.

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Why did Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger leave ECOWAS?

On Sunday, the military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger issued a joint statement declaring their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS.

They said it was a “sovereign decision” to leave the bloc “without delay” and that they would form an “Alliance of Sahel States” instead.

The three countries have been facing severe challenges of jihadist violence, poverty and instability in recent years.

They have also had strained relations with ECOWAS since they experienced military coups that toppled their elected governments.

Niger’s coup happened in July 2023, Burkina Faso’s in 2022 and Mali’s in 2020.

As a result, ECOWAS suspended the three countries from its decision-making bodies and imposed sanctions on Niger and Mali, such as closing borders, freezing assets and banning trade.

The bloc also demanded the restoration of constitutional order and the holding of free and fair elections in the affected countries.

However, the military regimes accused ECOWAS of interfering in their internal affairs and failing to support them in their fight against terrorism and insecurity.

They also claimed that ECOWAS was biased and unfair in its treatment of different member states.

What are the implications of the withdrawal?

The withdrawal of the three Sahel states from ECOWAS has raised concerns about the stability and security of the region.

The Sahel is a vast area that stretches across the southern edge of the Sahara desert, where several armed groups operate and pose a threat to the local populations and neighboring countries⁸.

The departure of the three countries could also affect the economic and trade relations among the West African states, as well as the implementation of regional projects and policies, such as the free movement of people and goods, the common currency and the ecotourism action plan.

Moreover, the withdrawal could undermine the credibility and legitimacy of ECOWAS as a regional organization that aims to foster peace, democracy and development in West Africa.

How did ECOWAS and other countries react?

ECOWAS has not yet issued an official response to the withdrawal of the three Sahel states. However, some sources indicate that the bloc is considering its options and may hold an emergency summit to discuss the situation.

Other countries and organizations have also expressed their views on the matter.

France, which has been a key ally and partner of the Sahel states in combating terrorism and providing humanitarian aid, said it regretted the decision and urged dialogue and cooperation among the West African countries.

The African Union, the United Nations and the European Union also called for calm and consultation, and reaffirmed their support for the ECOWAS principles and objectives .

Source: (AFP)