The military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following a series of coups and a call for the restoration of democratic governance. This significant move, effective as of January 29, 2025, reflects the escalating tensions within the region influenced by armed group struggles and external geopolitical pressures. Though ECOWAS expressed a commitment to keeping its doors open, it now faces heightened challenges to its authority and mission to promote regional unity and stability.
The culmination of a yearlong process, the trio's exit has become effective today, ECOWAS said. They first announced their intention to quit in January 2024 after the bloc demanded the restoration of democratic rule in Niger following a military coup.
Amid a series of military takeovers, continuing struggles with religious armed groups, and competition for influence between Russia and former colonial power France, the bloc has found itself in the crosshairs.
ECOWAS has become a target for military governments that have taken over Burkina, Mali and Niger. The military governments of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States.
The remaining member states were called upon to continue to grant citizens from the three countries the privileges of membership, including the free movement of people and goods.
Collection
[
|
...
]