The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is at a crossroads as three of its member countries – Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger – prepare to leave the organization. These nations, all located in the Sahel region, have announced their decision to withdraw, accusing ECOWAS of siding with foreign powers like France and undermining their sovereignty. But the regional bloc isn’t ready to give up on them just yet.
At a summit held on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS leaders decided to give the three nations more time to reconsider their decision. Originally set to leave the bloc on January 29, 2025, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso now have until July 29, 2025, to change their minds.
Oumar Touray, the president of the ECOWAS commission, expressed hope for reconciliation, saying, “ECOWAS will keep its doors open to these nations during this transition period.”
Why Did These Nations Decide to Leave?
Earlier this year, the military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared their intent to exit ECOWAS. They argued that the organization had become a puppet for foreign interests, especially France, which they accused of meddling in their affairs. The situation reached a boiling point after Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a coup in July 2023. In response, ECOWAS threatened military intervention to restore democratic order, further souring relations.
For these Sahel nations, breaking away from ECOWAS is about reclaiming their independence. Over the years, they’ve cut defense ties with France, citing its failure to curb jihadist violence despite a decade-long military presence in the region. Instead, the three nations have formed their own alliance – the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – as a step toward self-reliance and regional unity on their own terms.
ECOWAS Pushes for Reconciliation
Despite the tension, ECOWAS hasn’t given up. The bloc has lifted economic and travel sanctions against the three nations and has appointed two mediators, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe, to negotiate a solution. ECOWAS leaders argue that the departure of these nations would weaken regional trade and cooperation, affecting the lives of over 400 million people who depend on the bloc for free movement and economic stability.
However, the Sahel leaders remain defiant. In a joint statement last week, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared their decision to leave “irreversible.” But at the same time, Mali’s leader, Assimi Goita, reassured ECOWAS citizens that they would still be able to travel freely within the newly formed Sahel alliance without the need for visas.
What’s at Stake?
If these nations leave, it could mark a turning point for West Africa. ECOWAS was designed to foster unity, free trade, and cooperation, but its future could now be in jeopardy. On the other hand, the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States signals a growing pushback against foreign influence, particularly from France, and a desire for new ways to address the region’s challenges.
Oumar Touray called the impending exit of these nations “disheartening” and said ECOWAS would continue to work toward their return. Mediators have been given six more months to convince the military leaders to reconsider.
The Road Ahead
The next few months will be critical for West Africa’s political and economic stability. Will ECOWAS succeed in mending ties, or will the Sahel alliance signal a new chapter for the region? As the July 29 deadline approaches, the world will be watching to see how this high-stakes standoff unfolds.
