Nigeria Expresses Concerns Over Withdrawal of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso from ECOWAS

• The Nigerian government expresses concern over Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, emphasizing shared commitments to peace and democracy
• Nigeria expresses willingness to engage with the withdrawn nations, ensuring economic benefits and democratic values in the region

The Federal Government of Nigeria has conveyed its concern regarding the announcement by the military authority in the Republic of Niger, stating that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have withdrawn their membership from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In a statement released on Monday by Francisca K. Omayuli, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government expressed sadness, emphasizing ECOWAS’s half-century dedication to promoting peace, prosperity, and democracy in the region.

The military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger declared their withdrawal from ECOWAS “with immediate effect” on Sunday. The Foreign Affairs Ministry’s statement reiterated Nigeria’s support for ECOWAS, emphasizing due process and a shared commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of all citizens of member states.

Nigeria, according to the statement, has sincerely and in good faith worked to address the difficulties faced by the ECOWAS family. However, it noted that those seeking to exit the community do not share the same good faith. The government accused unelected leaders of denying their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices regarding freedom of movement, trade, and choosing their leaders.

The Federal Government expressed its willingness to engage with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to ensure that the people of the region continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values promoted by ECOWAS. Nigeria also appealed to the international community to maintain its support for ECOWAS and the vision of closer partnership, cooperation, and integration.