Three West African Nations Withdraw from ECOWAS

|Published 1:00PM ET, Wednesday January 29, 2025|

On January 29, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially acknowledged the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc. This departure follows the countries’ earlier announcements and marks a significant shift in West African geopolitics.

The three nations, each governed by military juntas following recent coups, have criticized ECOWAS for imposing sanctions and pressuring them to return to civilian rule. In response, they have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aiming to enhance cooperation in defense and security matters.

Despite the formal exit, ECOWAS has expressed a desire to maintain collaborative ties with these countries. The bloc has decided to “keep ECOWAS’ doors open” and has requested member nations to continue according to the trio their membership privileges, including free movement within the region using ECOWAS passports. ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray emphasized the bloc’s hope to work with these nations on regional challenges, particularly extremist violence.

Analysts warn that this withdrawal could exacerbate ECOWAS’s legitimacy crisis as it struggles to meet citizens’ expectations, especially in upholding the rule of law. The three countries have also shifted their military alliances towards Russia, further complicating the regional dynamics.

This development underscores the evolving political landscape in West Africa and highlights the challenges regional organizations face in maintaining unity amid differing governance models and external alliances.