Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have left ECOWAS, raising concerns about the organization’s future. Their withdrawal followed a year of tensions, particularly post-Niger’s coup in July 2023. The military regimes criticize ECOWAS for ineffective sanctions, and the three have formed a new coalition. ECOWAS seeks to maintain some recognition of their rights amid this split.

Countries governed by military juntas, specifically Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have formally exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a significant political and trade organization in the region. Their departure follows extensive diplomatic tensions over the past year, further complicated by the coup in Niger in July 2023. ECOWAS, marking its 50th anniversary, reassured that it would remain open to the three countries despite their withdrawal, which raises questions about the group’s future viability.

The military leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, founding members of ECOWAS, voiced grievances over what they termed “inhuman, illegal, and illegitimate” sanctions imposed by the organization. Their retreat was initiated in January 2024, though ECOWAS rules necessitate a notice period before such actions can be realized, marking a critical break. In response, the three nations have established a new coalition known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

ECOWAS has requested existing member states to continue recognizing the validity of ECOWAS-branded passports from the departing nations until further directives are issued. This stipulation allows citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to maintain their rights to visa-free movement and trade within the region while ECOWAS deliberates its future interaction with them.

Military officials in the Sahel region have criticized ECOWAS for its perceived inaction against rising jihadist threats and its close ties to France, the former colonial authority. In light of shifting alliances, these states have reduced their security cooperation with France, seeking assistance from nations such as Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Notably, Togo and Ghana have re-established diplomatic relations with the juntas, exemplified by Ghana’s new president appointing a special envoy to the AES.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), formed in 1975, aims to promote economic integration and regional stability among its member states. This recent split reveals the ongoing political challenges in the region, particularly given the rise of military governance in West Africa. The departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have seen military coups since 2020, underscores tensions between proactive governance and the influence of external nations like France amid security challenges posed by jihadist movements. As Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger pursue closer ties with powers like Russia, they highlight a significant strategic pivot in their foreign policies, moving away from traditional Western alliances. This evolution reflects broader geopolitical shifts in the region’s governance and security paradigms.

The official exit of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS signifies a pivotal moment in the West African political landscape, raising uncertainties about the future of regional unity and cooperation. This departure, spurred by frustrations over sanctions and security challenges, underscores a broader trend of military governance in the region, where these nations are seeking alternative partnerships outside of traditional Western alliances. The establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States further illustrates their determination to forge an independent path amid ongoing geopolitical turmoil.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com

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