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 Nig...
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