Three of the four junta-controlled West African states, namely Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, have announced their decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) due to sanctions imposed on them by the organization following military takeovers in each country.
The military regimes in these Sahel nations have had strained relations with ECOWAS since each junta leader took power through a coup in their respective countries. In a joint statement released Sunday, January 28, the three countries collectively decided to leave the bloc, citing it as a sovereign decision.
These contiguous countries, grappling with jihadist violence and poverty, have faced heavy sanctions and suspensions from ECOWAS. In recent months, they have formed an "Alliance of Sahel States" and expressed concerns about conflict spreading to other countries in the region.
The withdrawal of French troops from the Sahel region has intensified concerns over the potential spread of conflicts to states along the Gulf of Guinea, such as Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Niger's prime minister, appointed by the military regime, criticized ECOWAS for its lack of engagement and accused the bloc of acting in bad faith. Niger had hoped for an opportunity to address its differences with fellow ECOWAS states, but a planned meeting in Niamey was largely avoided by the organization.
ECOWAS leaders recently held a summit to address the crisis in the region, which has experienced a series of coups in various countries since 2020. The Commission's president stated that a committee from Benin, Togo, and Sierra Leone would engage with Niger's authorities to determine the progress towards a short transition and the conditions for lifting sanctions.
While ECOWAS recognized the dire humanitarian situation in Niger, it accused the ruling regime of interfering with the flow of aid into the country. The organization called for an immediate return to power by President Mohamed Bazoum, who is currently detained by the military rulers.
The summit also discussed delayed or uncertain transitions to civilian rule and elections in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. ECOWAS stated that it would relax travel restrictions for leaders in these countries to support negotiations.
Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his role as the current chair of ECOWAS, and US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, attended the summit to discuss support for Niger's return to democratic rule and Sahel security. Efforts to mediate the situation have been ongoing, with Nigeria requesting the release of President Bazoum to kickstart talks on lifting sanctions.
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However, the military rulers of Niger have rejected this option and have sought mediation from Togo's President, Faure Gnassingbe. ECOWAS has also discussed the possibility of military intervention in Niger, although the likelihood of such action remains uncertain.
The military regimes in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have formed an alliance amid the French military's withdrawal from the region. Despite these developments, the focus remains on the mutual pursuit of democracy and good governance, rather than diverting attention from the core issues at hand.
Recent coup attempts in Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau have further highlighted the challenges faced by ECOWAS member states. The situation is unfolding, and the path toward resolution and stability in the region still requires substantial negotiation and collaboration among all stakeholders involved, security experts say.
