Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Officially Quit ECOWAS After Year-Long Standoff
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking the end of a year-long effort by ECOWAS to convince them to stay.
This decision was announced in a statement by ECOWAS on Wednesday.
The three countries, all led by military juntas, had been suspended from ECOWAS due to military takeovers of their respective governments.
Despite efforts by ECOWAS to resolve the issue, the countries decided to leave the bloc, citing “inhumane” sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.
Although they’ve withdrawn, ECOWAS has stated its intention to “keep its door open” for the countries to return.
Read Also:
PRNigeria reports that this development is significant, as ECOWAS aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states.
“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025,” the commission wrote.
Recall that the 3 countries first announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in early 2024, following months of tension between the countries and the regional bloc.
The juntas in all three nations had accused ECOWAS of failing to support them in their fight against terrorism and of imposing sanctions that they claim harmed their populations.
They also rejected ECOWAS’ request to reconsider their decision to leave the bloc.
By PRNigeria
