Three countries being governed by the military government Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 officially exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), after more than a year of diplomatic tensions.
The The three Sahel countries have formed their own block called Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Accusing ECOWAS of unfair treatment, this move has significant implications with ECOWAS losing 53 percent of its area size and about 30 percent of its population.
ECOWAS has, however, acknowledged the exit in a statement on Wednesday but urged authorities to continue recognising national passports and allow visa-free movement for citizens of the three countries.
The organisation also wants free trade to continue across the West African region as outlined in ECOWAS protocols.
The Sahel countries’ leaders General Assimi Goita of Mali, General Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger, and Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso have repeatedly said they are keen to assert their sovereignty and boost their economies.
They have announced a joint deployment of 5,000 troops to tackle armed groups, unveiled a new common passport and cut ties with France.
The countries are also strengthening economic and security ties with alternative partners including Turkey and Russia.
The breakaway countries have accused ECOWAS of learning towards Western powers, particularly former colonial ruler France and treating them unfair with punitive sanctions, but ECOWAS has denied the allegations.
This is the first time multiple members have exited the West Africa regional block at once. Its remaining members are Nigeria, Benin, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guine-Bissau, Libereia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo
