Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Officially Withdraw from ECOWAS

In a historic shift, the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking an unprecedented moment in the bloc’s nearly 50-year history.

ECOWAS confirmed the withdrawal in a statement on 29 January 2025, announcing that the trio’s year long disengagement process had culminated in their formal exit. However, in a bid to maintain regional ties, ECOWAS has urged its member states to continue recognising the free movement of people and goods from the departing nations under existing agreements.

Despite their exit, ECOWAS has stressed that its “doors remain open,” hinting at potential diplomatic engagements in the future.

The Rise of the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS)

The departure of the three nations, all led by military juntas that took power through coups between 2020 and 2023, follows ECOWAS’ demands for a return to democratic rule, particularly after the 2023 coup in Niger.

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Instead of complying, the three nations moved to establish their own regional bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS), in September 2024. This new alliance prioritises security cooperation in the fight against insurgencies and external interventions, marking a major strategic shift in the region.

The Alliance of Sahel States has also launched its own biometric passport system, further distancing itself from ECOWAS and advancing efforts toward greater autonomy.

ECOWAS in Crisis: A Waning Influence?

Formed in 1975, ECOWAS has long been seen as West Africa’s top political and economic authority, playing a key role in crisis resolution, economic integration, and regional security. However, in recent years, its effectiveness has been widely questioned, particularly among citizens who perceive it as serving the interests of former colonial powers rather than prioritising African sovereignty.

The bloc’s credibility has been further undermined by the wave of coups that have swept through the region, from Guinea and Chad to Sudan. Attempts to impose sanctions and diplomatic pressure on junta-led governments have often been met with defiance rather than compliance.

The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signals a major test for ECOWAS’ future, raising concerns about its ability to enforce democratic transitions and maintain regional cohesion.

Shifting Alliances: The Role of Russia and France

The three Sahelian nations have repeatedly accused ECOWAS of being heavily influenced by France, their former colonial ruler, and have instead pivoted toward Russia for military and strategic support.

The anti-French sentiment has been particularly strong in Niger, where demonstrations in the capital Niamey have been marked by slogans denouncing French President Emmanuel Macron and his allies. Similarly, in Burkina Faso, government officials, including Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo, have framed the break from ECOWAS as a move toward “cutting the cord of imperialism.”

The departure of these three nations from ECOWAS is not just a political statement—it reflects a deeper geopolitical realignment, where Russia, China, and other non-Western powers are increasingly positioning themselves as strategic partners in Africa.

Security and Economic Uncertainty in the Sahel

The Sahel region has been at the heart of violent insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS), with jihadist groups controlling vast swathes of land across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States is, in part, a response to these security threats, as the three nations seek to build a collective defence strategy without relying on ECOWAS. However, analysts warn that their departure from ECOWAS could impact trade, economic cooperation, and cross-border stability, especially as they forge new independent trade and diplomatic ties.

What’s Next for ECOWAS and the Sahel?

With the departure of three of its member states, ECOWAS faces a moment of reckoning. The bloc must now reassess its role, influence, and strategies in a rapidly shifting West African landscape.

At the same time, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger must navigate the challenges of self-reliance, balancing their security priorities, economic independence, and diplomatic relations with the remaining ECOWAS nations.

While the exit of these nations redefines West Africa’s political order, it also raises urgent questions about the region’s future: Will ECOWAS adapt to these new realities? Or will more countries follow in the footsteps of the Sahelian trio?

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for West Africa

The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS is one of the most significant geopolitical shifts in modern West African history. Whether this marks the beginning of a more fragmented West Africa or the emergence of a new regional power structure remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: West Africa’s political and economic landscape will never be the same again.