The withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially taken effect, marking a significant shift in the region’s political landscape. The regional bloc confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, signaling the culmination of a yearlong process in which ECOWAS attempted to prevent the unprecedented departure.
Despite the split, ECOWAS emphasized that it remains open to dialogue and urged its member states to continue granting the three nations certain privileges, including visa-free movement with an ECOWAS passport. The bloc’s president, Omar Alieu Touray, reiterated the commitment to ongoing collaboration on pressing regional issues, particularly the escalating extremist violence plaguing the Sahel.
A Legitimacy Crisis for ECOWAS?
The departure of these three nations—among the poorest in West Africa—has raised questions about ECOWAS’s effectiveness and legitimacy. Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, noted that the bloc has often failed to meet citizens’ expectations in upholding democratic governance. “That the three poorest member states decided to leave the bloc makes ECOWAS look even more like a loser in this conflict,” he remarked.
ECOWAS, founded in 1975 to foster economic integration, has grown into West Africa’s primary political and security authority. However, recent years have seen its credibility wane, particularly in nations where military coups have toppled elected governments. Oge Onubogu, director of the Africa Program at the Wilson Center, observed that ECOWAS is increasingly viewed as an entity that serves the interests of political elites rather than ordinary citizens.
A Shift in Alliances
Following their break from ECOWAS, the military-led governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have pivoted toward alternative alliances. The three nations formed their own security coalition, the Alliance of Sahel States, and severed long-standing military ties with Western nations such as the United States and France. Instead, they have turned to Russia for military cooperation, further reshaping the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
This marks the first time in ECOWAS’s history that member states have withdrawn in such a dramatic fashion. Analysts warn that the move could undermine regional stability and hinder efforts to restore democratic governance.
Future Implications
Despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS has urged its remaining members to continue treating goods and services from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso in accordance with existing trade regulations. The bloc has also encouraged cooperation with ECOWAS officials from these nations when necessary.
While the full impact of this departure remains to be seen, the split underscores the growing challenges facing ECOWAS as it seeks to maintain regional unity amid shifting political dynamics and rising security threats.