- 15- member Ecowas countries about to reduce to 12
- Three West African Countries with military heads set to officially quit on Wednesday
- Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to form new alliance
Starting tomorrow, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will officially leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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This comes after the military-led governments of the three countries announced their decision to quit the regional group exactly one year ago, choosing instead to form a new alliance called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Despite ECOWAS leaders’ efforts to convince them to reconsider, the countries remain firm in their decision. The departure raises concerns about its effects on the region, especially for neighboring countries.
Last December, ECOWAS instructed its Commission to manage the separation process with AES over six months. However, there’s little hope the three nations will change their minds. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe, Senior Special Assistant to Nigeria’s President on ECOWAS matters, confirmed this, noting the ongoing preparations for their departure.
The exit will impact over 130 citizens of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso working in ECOWAS institutions, as they are likely to lose their jobs. ECOWAS offices in these countries, such as the West African Health Organization (WAHO) and the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre in Burkina Faso, may also shut down.
Additionally, these countries will leave the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), which fights financial crimes. While AES has requested to remain part of GIABA, it’s uncertain if this will happen.
Economic projects will also be affected, such as the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) halting support for Mali, including a $3 million loan for its main bank. Humanitarian aid, peacekeeping missions, and regional development programs are also expected to suffer
The three countries accuse ECOWAS of threatening their sovereignty by siding with foreign powers and abandoning its founding principles. Sanctions imposed on them after military coups added to their grievances.
Nigeria, which hosts ECOWAS, expressed sadness over their exit but emphasized its support for the organization’s rules and commitment to democracy. While Nigeria tried to reconcile with them, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said the departing countries acted in bad faith.
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Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger were among the founding members of ECOWAS in 1975. Their departure marks a significant shift in West African regional cooperation.
