In a joint statement aired on state television in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the military juntas in these West African nations declared their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday.
The juntas accused the regional economic bloc of imposing what they deemed as inhumane sanctions aimed at reversing recent coups in their respective countries.
The statement asserted that the decision to withdraw was made in complete sovereignty, alleging that ECOWAS had deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism after nearly 50 years of existence.
The juntas contended that ECOWAS, influenced by foreign powers, had become a threat to its member states and their populations.
ECOWAS, established in 1975 to promote economic integration in member states, serves as West Africa’s primary political and regional authority. In recent years, the bloc has faced challenges in addressing coup incidents in the region and ensuring the equitable distribution of natural resources.
The juntas did not provide details on the withdrawal process, and ECOWAS has yet to respond to the announcement.
The regional bloc, which recognizes only democratic governments, has faced previous challenges to its authority, with its regional court ruling last year that juntas lack the power to act on behalf of their nations in place of elected governments.
This development follows heightened political tensions in West Africa, including a coup in Niger last year. The three nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—have recently formed a security alliance and severed military ties with France and other European nations, seeking support from Russia.
The joint statement criticized ECOWAS for its perceived failure to assist the countries in addressing “existential” threats like terrorism—a common reason cited by their militaries for the coups.
The juntas argued that ECOWAS sanctions, instead of improving their situations, have further weakened populations already affected by years of violence. This move adds a new layer of complexity to the evolving political landscape in West Africa.
