ECOWAS confirms exit of the Alliance of Sahel States from the regional bloc
3 min readThe West African nations of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, all governed by military juntas, officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Wednesday. This marks the culmination of a year-long standoff, during which ECOWAS worked tirelessly to prevent their exit. The move signifies a significant shift in the region’s political landscape, and ECOWAS issued a statement acknowledging the departure while leaving the door open for these nations to rejoin the regional bloc if they choose.
Despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS urged member states to continue treating the three countries as part of the region in certain respects. The statement emphasized that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso would still be granted membership privileges, including free movement within ECOWAS with an ECOWAS passport. Additionally, the bloc recommended that goods and services from these countries continue to be treated in accordance with ECOWAS regulations.
ECOWAS, founded in 1975 to promote economic integration across West Africa, has long been viewed as the region’s principal political and regional authority. Comprising 15 member nations, the organization’s goals center around fostering economic growth and cooperation. However, in recent years, ECOWAS has faced increasing criticism, especially from parts of the West African populace. Critics argue that the bloc has become increasingly disconnected from the people’s needs and aspirations, instead focusing primarily on the interests of political leaders. This shift has eroded the bloc’s influence in the region.
The tensions between ECOWAS and the three countries began to intensify after a series of military coups. Mali experienced a coup in 2020, followed by Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023. In each case, ECOWAS condemned the coups and suspended the countries’ membership, demanding that civilian rule be restored. Despite these demands, the military regimes in these countries remained defiant. In a bold move, they expelled French troops who had been stationed in their countries to combat growing jihadist insurgencies and turned to Russia for assistance in dealing with the extremist threats.
This shift in allegiance has further strained relations with ECOWAS, as the bloc has traditionally been aligned with Western powers, particularly France. The military-led governments of the three nations, frustrated with ECOWAS’s stance and its reliance on foreign intervention, sought new partnerships to bolster their own security and political standing. The establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States was a direct response to this growing dissatisfaction with ECOWAS and the increasing influence of Russia in the region.
The departure of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS is a historic event, marking the first time that member states have withdrawn from the organization. The move represents a significant blow to ECOWAS’s credibility and authority in West Africa. Analysts are concerned that this development could undermine efforts to promote democratic governance and stability in a region that has become increasingly fragile due to rising jihadist violence and political instability.
The Alliance of Sahel States, formed by the three countries, is seen as a counterbalance to ECOWAS’s influence, positioning the military-led governments as an alternative to the traditional political order in West Africa. However, this shift raises questions about the future of regional cooperation and the prospects for democracy in the Sahel. With rising insurgencies and growing insecurity, the challenges facing these countries are immense. The support of Russia and the pivot away from Western influence may offer some benefits in terms of military assistance, but it also risks isolating these nations from the broader regional and international community.
As ECOWAS grapples with the loss of these three members, the question remains whether the organization can regain its relevance and restore trust among the people of West Africa. The departure of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso signals a potential turning point in the region’s political trajectory, and the coming months will likely see further shifts in regional alliances as these nations navigate their future outside of ECOWAS. While the bloc remains open to dialogue, the challenges of reconciling with the military-led governments and addressing the underlying issues of governance and stability in the region will prove difficult in the years ahead.,
Source: African News Agency
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