Niger Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso Announce Withdrawal from ECOWAS

In a joint statement released on Sunday, the military governments of Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso declared their decision to sever ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The announcement follows the imposition of sanctions on the three West African countries by ECOWAS as part of efforts to reverse recent coups in their respective nations.

The leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso criticized ECOWAS, stating that the regional organization had deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism after 49 years. Colonel Amadou Abdramane, spokesperson for the Niger junta, emphasized that the organization failed to provide adequate assistance to these states in their fight against terrorism and insecurity.

The joint statement referred to the decision as a “sovereign decision” to withdraw from ECOWAS without delay. The leaders expressed disappointment and regret over the perceived shortcomings of the organization, highlighting their existential fight against terrorism as an area where ECOWAS fell short of support.

In September 2023, the three countries entered into a mutual defence pact known as the “Alliance of Sahel States,” aimed at assisting each other in the face of armed rebellion or external aggression. The charter binds the nations to provide mutual assistance, including military support in the event of an attack on any of them.

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The military leader of Mali, Assimi Goita, previously announced the signing of the Liptako-Gourma charter, establishing the Alliance of Sahel States. The charter seeks to create a framework for collective defense and mutual assistance among the Sahel nations.

The decision to withdraw from ECOWAS comes amid tensions between the regional organization and the military governments in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. ECOWAS had imposed sanctions on Niger Republic following a military coup in July 2023 and had threatened military action. The withdrawal announcement adds a new dimension to the evolving dynamics in West Africa and the regional response to political changes.