Blow to Ecowas as three nations formally quit
Publish date: 03 February 2025
Issue Number: 1111
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: General
The military Governments of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), the regional bloc announced. Amid a series of coups, struggles with Muslim armed group, and competition between Russia and the West for influence in the region, Ecowas has become a target for the three nations, notes an Al Jazeera report. The countries first announced their intention to quit in January 2024 after the bloc demanded the restoration of democratic rule in Niger following a military coup. In the statement, the bloc said it tried to avert its unprecedented disintegration and stressed that it would ‘keep Ecowas’ doors open’ in the spirit of ‘regional solidarity’. The remaining member states were called upon to continue to grant citizens from the three countries the privileges of membership, including the free movement of people and goods. Established in 1975, the 15-nation bloc has become the region’s top political authority, often collaborating with states to solve domestic challenges on various fronts – from politics to economy and security. However, amid a series of military takeovers, continuing struggles with religious armed groups, and competition for influence between Russia and former colonial power France, the bloc has found itself in the crosshairs.