By Alex Adi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is grappling with the impending exit of three of its member states: Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This development comes after the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, Nigeria, where members proposed recommendations for the Authority of Heads of State and Governments to make a final decision on the matter.
The potential withdrawal of these three countries poses significant risks to the ECOWAS bloc, given the substantial investments and presence of ECOWAS institutions, assets, and personnel in these nations.
The military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have made it clear that their decision to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is irreversible. This decision was sparked by ECOWAS’ threat of military intervention and heavy sanctions following a coup in Niger in July 2023, the sixth coup in the region within three years. The three countries have since launched their own regional bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States, after severing ties with France and seeking support from Russia.
Analysts warn that their exit from ECOWAS will significantly impact the free movement of people and goods in the region. As per ECOWAS rules, their departure will take effect in January 2025, a year after announcing their exit plans. Ghana’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong, expressed concern that the exit of the three countries threatens ECOWAS institutions, assets, and personnel.
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister and Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, is optimistic about the future of regional integration in West Africa, despite the current challenges facing ECOWAS. He points to sustainable interventions to promote unity and cooperation among member states.
The 66th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit is set to take place in Abuja on Sunday, where leaders will convene to address the impending exit of three member states from the regional bloc.
A key agenda item will be the transition period of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s planned departure, with leaders potentially making final statements or attempting to persuade the trio to reconsider their decision to leave ECOWAS.
