Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, the three military-led West African nations, have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The regional bloc confirmed their departure in a statement released on Wednesday, stating:
“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025.”
Despite this, ECOWAS expressed its intention to “keep its door open” for any of the countries should they choose to rejoin the bloc.
ECOWAS affirmed that passports and identity cards featuring its logo will continue to be valid for travel within the region. Additionally, trade and economic activities will proceed under the existing ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, ensuring the free movement of goods and services from the three countries.
“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government,” the statement clarified.
A long-brewing exit
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso first announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in early 2024, following months of tension between the countries and the regional bloc.
Since their announcement, the process of withdrawal has been fraught with complications, including economic penalties and diplomatic pressure from Western governments.
Their departure, particularly as founding members of ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975, has fractured the bloc, raising questions about its future relevance and influence in the region.
In response to their withdrawal, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have forged a new geopolitical alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), signalling a shift in West Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
Recent reports suggest that Togo may also be considering joining the AES, further reshaping the balance of power in West Africa.
Marking a year of independence
One year after their break from ECOWAS, the three Sahel nations have come together to celebrate their first anniversary outside the bloc.
In Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, a flag-raising ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs featured the banners of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the AES, symbolizing their newfound unity.
In Niger, thousands of supporters, led by members of the military regime, gathered at a central square in the capital, Niamey, before marching toward the National Assembly in a display of solidarity.
Speaking at the event, Ibro Amadou Bacharou, private chief of staff to Niger’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, stated
“On January 28, 2024, we announced our exit from ECOWAS with immediate effect. Many thought it was a joke, that we were going to go back on our decision,” said Ibro Amadou Bacharou, private chief of staff of Niger’s junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani.
“This is ending today, there is nothing left between ECOWAS and us,” he said.
As the AES nations solidify their alliance, the long-term implications for regional stability, trade, and diplomacy remain uncertain. What is clear, however, is that West Africa’s political order is undergoing a profound transformation.
