Pat Stevens/
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—three of the poorest nations in West Africa—have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the bloc announced today.
The departure, marking the culmination of a tense yearlong standoff, follows a series of military takeovers in the countries, which left ECOWAS struggling to maintain cohesion.
“The withdrawal has become effective today,” ECOWAS said in a statement, while urging member nations to continue granting the trio privileges such as free regional movement via ECOWAS passports.
Despite the split, ECOWAS President, Omar Alieu Touray, expressed hope for collaboration, particularly in addressing the violent extremist threats destabilising the region.
Speaking in Abuja, Nigeria, he noted, “We must still find ways to work together to tackle shared challenges.”
The withdrawals amplify what critics call a “legitimacy crisis” for ECOWAS.
Ulf Laessing of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation described the move as a blow to the bloc’s reputation, stating, “The exit of the three poorest member states underscores a perception of ECOWAS as ineffective in enforcing democratic norms.”
Formed in 1975 to foster economic integration, the 15-member bloc has evolved into West Africa’s top political authority. Yet, its inability to reverse recent coups and its perceived failure to leverage the region’s natural wealth for citizens’ benefit have fueled discontent.
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