ECOWAS Likely to Approve Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s Exit

• ECOWAS is set to formalize the departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic from the bloc during an upcoming summit
• The military regimes in these countries have rejected ECOWAS demands for a return to civilian rule, emphasizing their collaboration instead

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is expected to formalize the departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic from the bloc this weekend.

This decision may be ratified during the ordinary summit, which begins today in Abuja.

The three countries, currently governed by military juntas, have faced sanctions and ECOWAS calls for a swift return to civilian rule.

These juntas came to power following separate coups between 2020 and 2023, prompting significant regional and international concern.

Initially, ECOWAS considered military intervention to restore democratic governance, particularly in the Niger Republic, after President Mohamed Bazoum’s ousting.

However, the bloc shifted to diplomatic efforts, removing some sanctions on Niger and seeking a resolution through dialogue.

Despite these efforts, the military regimes in the three countries have rejected ECOWAS’s demands and continued to strengthen their collaborations.

The summit will likely focus on ratifying their exit and discussing regional stability and cooperation implications.

The decision to formalize the three nations’ withdrawal highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining democratic governance and unity within the West African region.