The military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger collectively declared their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday.
They accused ECOWAS of imposing harsh sanctions to overturn recent coups in their countries. In a joint statement aired on state television, the juntas claimed their decision was a sovereign choice, asserting that ECOWAS had strayed from its original ideals and become a threat influenced by foreign powers after almost 50 years.
Established in 1975, ECOWAS serves as West Africa’s primary political and regional authority, focusing on economic integration. Despite its crucial role, the bloc has encountered challenges in addressing coup incidents and managing resource distribution. The juntas did not outline the withdrawal process, and ECOWAS has yet to respond.
ECOWAS, which exclusively recognizes democratic governments, faced previous challenges to its authority, with its regional court ruling against the power of juntas last year. This announcement follows heightened political tensions in West Africa, including a recent coup in Niger. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, now part of a security alliance, severed military ties with European nations, seeking support from Russia.
The joint statement criticized ECOWAS for not aiding in addressing “existential” threats like terrorism, often cited as a reason for the coups. The juntas argued that ECOWAS sanctions worsened their situations, further weakening populations affected by years of violence. This development complicates the evolving political landscape in West Africa.
