West Africa: Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Officially Exit Ecowas

29 January 2025

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso first announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in early 2024

The three military-led West African nations - Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso - have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The regional bloc disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

This brings to an end a year-long attempt by ECOWAS to convince the countries to reconsider leaving the bloc.

ECOWAS, however, said it intends to "keep its door open" if any of the countries want to return to its fold.

"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.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso 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.

However, in December 2024, they agreed to a six-month grace period following their withdrawal.

ECOWAS initially imposed sanctions on the three countries following successful military coups there but later withdrew the sanctions in an effort to get them not to leave the bloc.

More details to come...

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.