The military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), effective today. This decision follows a series of coups and ongoing conflicts with armed groups within the region.
ECOWAS announced the formal exit in a statement, marking the culmination of a year-long process initiated when the bloc demanded the restoration of democratic governance in Niger after a military takeover. The organization expressed its efforts to prevent this unprecedented disintegration while keeping its doors open for future cooperation.
In response to the withdrawal, thousands of supporters rallied in both Niger and Burkina Faso, voicing their discontent with ECOWAS and foreign influences, particularly from France. Demonstrations in Niger's capital, Niamey, featured chants against French President Emmanuel Macron, while Burkina Faso's Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo addressed crowds in Ouagadougou, emphasizing the need to sever ties with imperialism.
The military leaders of the three nations, who have come to power through a series of coups over the past five years, have criticized ECOWAS for being under French influence, prompting them to seek closer ties with Russia. In September, they established a new security alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States, aimed at mutual defense against armed threats.
ECOWAS, founded in 1975, has served as the primary political authority in West Africa, addressing various challenges from governance to security. However, the recent military takeovers and regional instability have placed the bloc under significant strain.