Three countries: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are moving forward with plans to withdraw from ECOWAS, the 15-member West African bloc founded to promote economic integration and the free movement of people, goods, and services.
Despite efforts by ECOWAS leaders to persuade the three nations to remain, the decision to leave was finalized and approved over the weekend, according to the BBC.
The withdrawal process is set to take six months, beginning January 29th. During this transitional period, the countries retain the option to rejoin the bloc if they reverse their decision, NPR reports.
This marks the first time a member state has opted to leave ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975.
Tensions have escalated between ECOWAS and the three nations—now united under their own coalition, the Alliance of Sahel States —following military coups that brought their current leadership to power. ECOWAS has repeatedly called for a return to democratic governance, but the ruling juntas have stood firm, rejecting these demands.
The departure signals a significant shift in regional dynamics and highlights the growing strain between the bloc and its Sahelian members
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