Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will permanently exit ECOWAS by 2025 after military-led governments decided to withdraw, accusing the bloc of serving France's interests. ECOWAS sets six months for diplomatic interventions, marking a significant shift in West African political dynamics and regional relations.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will officially withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) starting in 2025. This decision was announced by Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 66th Ordinary Session of Heads of States and Governments in Abuja on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
The military-led governments of these countries had previously announced their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024, following their suspension from the regional bloc and the imposition of heavy sanctions, particularly on Niger and Mali. The ECOWAS Commission has set the exit for a timeframe between January 29 and July 29, 2025, allowing room for possible diplomatic negotiations and mediation efforts before the departure becomes permanent.
In a joint statement, the three nations labeled their withdrawal as "irreversible," accusing ECOWAS of prioritizing the interests of France, their former colonial ruler. They have expressed their intention to pursue new paths for their citizens outside of ECOWAS's influence.
This announcement comes ahead of a major ECOWAS summit, where regional leaders had hoped to find a diplomatic solution to retain the three nations within the bloc. The decision marks a significant shift in West African regional relations and raises questions about the future of ECOWAS, especially in light of growing tensions between member states and their respective military regimes.
