Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday to address the impending withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Guinea from the regional bloc. These nations, led by military governments, have declared their exit decisions “irreversible,” criticizing ECOWAS for its alignment with former colonial power France and its perceived inability to address pressing regional issues.
The exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will officially take effect on January 29, 2024. However, ECOWAS has introduced a six-month grace period, extending the effective date to July 29, to encourage dialogue. Guinea’s departure follows a separate trajectory, as its military-led government has been under pressure to return to democratic governance.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to focus on regional security and governance, pivoting away from France and fostering stronger ties with Russia. Guinea, although not part of the AES, aligns closely with the breakaway nations. The withdrawal of these nations threatens free trade, movement, and security collaboration within the region. These disruptions come amid ongoing jihadist insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).
The departing nations have pledged to maintain visa-free access for ECOWAS citizens post-exit, easing fears of trade and travel restrictions for the region’s 400 million people.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, appointed as an ECOWAS mediator, has reported “progress” in negotiations with the breakaway states, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional cooperation, especially in addressing security concerns. Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé has also engaged in mediation, aiming to bridge the divide between ECOWAS and the departing nations.
