The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has long been a cornerstone of regional integration and cooperation in West Africa.
Established in 1975, the bloc aimed to promote economic development, peace, and political stability among its member states.
However, the recent exit of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—three nations now aligned under the Alliance of Sahel States—marks a significant shift in the bloc’s composition and influence.
The exit of these countries represents a significant loss for ECOWAS, reducing its population by 76 million out of 446 million and cutting its total geographical land area by more than half..
ECOWAS responds
The newly formed Alliance of Sahel States officially received approval from ECOWAS confirming their withdrawal from the regional bloc yesterday.
The announcement was made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Alieu Touray, on Sunday during the 66th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government in Abuja.
Touray stated that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger would take effect between January 29, 2025, and July 29, 2025, allowing for a six-month period for further negotiations.
It is worth noting that ECOWAS had previously suspended all three nations and imposed strict sanctions on Mali and Niger following coups that ousted democratic governments in Mali (2020 and 2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023).
The sanctions were however lifted earlier this year.
Implications of the exit
Following the departure of these three countries, ECOWAS is left with 12 active member states, excluding Guinea, which remains suspended due to its 2021 military coup. The remaining members are:
- Benin
- Cape Verde
- Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Guinea (suspended but not formally withdrawn).
The exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS has far-reaching implications that go beyond symbolism.
At the heart of their departure are grievances against ECOWAS, which they accuse of neglecting its support for their fight against terrorism and insecurity.
Furthermore, the aggrieved nations accused ECOWAS of imposing sanctions that they deem “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible.”
Alliance of Sahel States
In January 2024, the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their decision to exit ECOWAS, accusing the bloc of posing a threat to its members.
The three nations have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States, uniting under military rule and breaking away from the larger West African regional bloc.
They criticized ECOWAS for failing to support their fight against “terrorism and insecurity” while imposing what they described as “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions.”
The alliance’s leaders have pledged mutual support against external threats and internal security challenges, signaling their commitment to collective defense and stability.
