Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Pull Out Of ECOWAS

•We Have Not Been Informed – ECOWAS

THE military regimes in Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso have announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The countries’ military regimes announced withdrawal from the regional bloc on Sunday in a joint statement read out on Niger national television.

According to Wion News, the leaders of the three Sahel nations issued a statement saying it was a “sovereign decision” to leave the Economic Community of West African States “without delay”.

“After 49 years, the valiant peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regretfully and with great disappointment observe that the (ECOWAS) organisation has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism,” Colonel Amadou Abdramane, Niger junta spokesman, said in the statement.

“The organisation notably failed to assist these states in their existential fight against terrorism and insecurity,” Abdramane added.

In September 2023, the three countries signed a mutual defence pact to assist one another against armed rebellion or external aggression.

The charter – Alliance of Sahel States – binds the countries to assist one another – including militarily should there be an attack against one of them.

Mali’s military leader Assimi Goita said on his X social media account, “I have today signed with the Heads of State of Burkina Faso and Niger the Liptako-Gourma charter establishing the Alliance of Sahel States, with the aim of establishing a collective defence and mutual assistance framework.”

Following a military coup in Niger last July, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the country and threatened military action. 

Meanwhile, ECOWAS has said it has not been informed of the decision of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the regional bloc.

A statement issued by the ECOWAS Commission on Sunday said the body has not been duly informed by the three countries.

The statement obtained in Abuja read in full: “The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.

“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community.

“The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.

“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves.”

ECOWAS; also known as CEDEAO in French and Portuguese) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa. It was established on 28 May 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria.  

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