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ECOWAS loses membership of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger

January 29, 2025

Three junta-led nations have left the regional economic bloc ECOWAS, citing alleged French influence on the group. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are increasingly turning to Russia as an ally.

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Fahne der Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) flag
ECOWAS is now reduced from 15 member states to just 12Image: FRANCIS KOKOROKO/REUTERS

The Sahel states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have officially withdrawn from regional economic bloc ECOWAS in the wake of decisions made a year ago, the multination body said on Wednesday.

The withdrawal "has become effective today," ECOWAS said in a statement.

All three nations, which in September created their own security partnership, the Alliance of Sahel States, are now led by juntas following coups in the past few years.

ECOWAS: What next after Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso quit?

Growing tensions

Among other things, the three countries have accused the bloc of being too much under the influence of former colonial power France.

ECOWAS has also been forthright in its criticism of the coups and has imposed sanctions because of them.

In recent years, the three countries have looked to Moscow or Russia's Africa Corps — which has replaced the Wagner Group — for support, with Russian mercenaries helping the military regimes remain in control.

The withdrawal means that some 73 million people are leaving the community and that its geographical area is more than halved.

The bloc has said, however, that it has decided to "keep ECOWAS' doors open," requesting member nations to continue to accord the three countries membership privileges such as free movement within the region with an ECOWAS passport.

The unprecedented disintegration comes amid growing criticism from many West Africans that the bloc is failing to properly represent their interests and to take advantage of rich natural resources in their countries.

What is ECOWAS?

The Economic Community of West African States, consisting of 15 nations, was founded 50 years ago with the stated aim of promoting "cooperation and integration ... in order to raise the living standards of it peoples, and to maintain and enhance economic stability."

It has since evolved into a top political authority in the region and has often stepped in to help its member states deal with political, economical and security challenges.

Explainer: What is the ECOWAS?

Although the departure of the three countries greatly diminishes the bloc's area, the member states' combined economic output will be reduced by just 8%, as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are among the 10 least developed countries in the world.

Although they possess enormous natural resources, such as gold and uranium, these are mostly mined by European and North American companies.

In addition, all three are facing problems posed by Islamist terrorist groups within their borders.

tj/rc (dpa, AP)