Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso exit from ECOWAS

The military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger jointly announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States. The juntas accused the regional economic bloc of imposing inhumane sanctions aimed at reversing recent coups in their respective countries.

The joint statement, broadcast on state television in all three nations, asserted that the decision to withdraw was made in complete sovereignty, alleging that ECOWAS had deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers and Pan-Africanism after 49 years of existence.

The juntas contended that ECOWAS, influenced by foreign powers, had become a threat to its member states and their populations. ECOWAS, established in 1975 to promote economic integration in member states, is considered West Africa’s top political and regional authority.

The bloc has faced challenges in recent years as it strives to address coup incidents in the region and ensure the equitable distribution of natural resources. The juntas did not provide details on how the withdrawal process would unfold.