ECOWAS Approves Withdrawal of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso by January 2025

Dec 15, 2024, 05:37 PM

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc, effective from January 29, 2025, following a nearly yearlong mediation process. The decision comes after the three countries, led by military juntas, announced their intention to leave ECOWAS in January 2024, citing the bloc's 'inhumane and irresponsible' coup-related sanctions and its failure to assist in addressing their internal security crises. ECOWAS has set a transitional period from January 29, 2025, to July 29, 2025, during which its doors will remain open for the three nations to reconsider their decision. The withdrawal marks a significant challenge for ECOWAS, as it is the first time in its nearly 50-year history that member states have chosen to exit. The bloc's leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, emphasized the importance of unity and security cooperation in the region, urging the departing countries to reconsider their stance. The ECOWAS summit in Abuja highlighted the challenges faced by the bloc in maintaining regional unity and security cooperation.