The Presidents of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have decided to withdraw their countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision, announced in a joint communique, marks a significant shift in regional dynamics and highlights the dissatisfaction with ECOWAS’ direction.
The roots of ECOWAS trace back to May 28, 1975, when twelve West African leaders, including General Aboubacar Sangoulé Lamizana of Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), General Moussa Traoré of Mali, and Lieutenant Colonel Seyni Kountché of Niger, founded the organization in Lagos. The ideals of brotherhood, solidarity, mutual aid, peace, and development were central to its creation.
However, after nearly five decades, the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger express deep regret and disappointment over ECOWAS’ deviation from its founding principles and its failure to support member states in combating terrorism and insecurity. Moreover, they accuse ECOWAS of succumbing to external influences and imposing unjust sanctions on member states, exacerbating the challenges faced by their populations.
In response to these grievances and in fulfillment of their duty to their respective populations, the current Heads of State—Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, Colonel Assimi Goïta of Mali, and Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger—have jointly announced the immediate withdrawal of their countries from ECOWAS. This decision, made in Ouagadougou, Bamako, and Niamey, reflects a determination to prioritize national interests and assert sovereignty in the face of regional challenges.