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West African nations Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, ruled by military juntas announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday (28th January 2024)
West African nations Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, ruled by military juntas announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday (28th January 2024)
The reason pointed out was the regional economic group (ECOWAS) has imposed inhumane sanctions triggered by recent coups in their respective countries. The three countries, in a broadcast on their respective state televisions, have blamed ECOWAS for interfering with their sovereignty as enunciated by their founding fathers.
The juntas contended that ECOWAS, influenced by foreign powers, had become a threat to its member states and their populations. ECOWAS, established in 1975 to promote economic integration in member states, is considered West Africa’s top political and regional authority.
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The bloc has faced challenges in recent years as it strives to address coup incidents in the region and ensure the equitable distribution of natural resources. The juntas did not provide details on how the withdrawal process would unfold. ECOWAS recognizes only democratic governments. The three nations, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have recently formed a security alliance and are now tilting towards Russia, which now has an increasing interest in the region.
