ECOWAS has granted Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger a six-month extension, until July 2025, to reconsider their planned withdrawal from the regional bloc. The three Sahel nations, ruled by military juntas, announced their departure earlier this year, citing grievances over sanctions and ECOWAS’ perceived allegiance to France. The move marks the first time in the bloc’s 50-year history that members have sought to leave. Despite ECOWAS’ diplomatic efforts, including mediation by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe, the three nations remain firm in their decision, having formed their own Alliance of Sahel States and pivoted towards Russia. According to analysts, the three countries’ exit could disrupt regional security, free trade, and movement. However, the departing states have assured visa-free access for West African citizens, albeit with restrictions for individuals they consider “inadmissible immigrants”.
SOURCE: DW
