What Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger’s exit from ECOWAS mean for West Africa

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s military regimes have announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The leaders of the three Sahel nations issued a statement on Sunday, terming it a “sovereign decision” to exit ECOWAS “without delay.”

Struggling with insecurity and poverty, the regimes have strained relations with ECOWAS since coups occurred in Niger last July, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020.

All three countries faced suspension from ECOWAS, with Niger and Mali enduring heavy sanctions. In recent months, they have toughened their stances and united in an “Alliance of Sahel States.”

ECOWAS is made up of fifteen member countries that are located in the Western African region. They include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

What does the exit of the three countries mean for the West African region?

The withdrawal of Mali, the Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) signifies a significant shift in the regional dynamics of West Africa. This move could have several implications for the region:

1. Economic impact: ECOWAS facilitates trade and economic cooperation among member states. The withdrawal of three countries could disrupt existing trade agreements and hinder economic integration efforts within the region.

It may lead to trade barriers, tariffs, and other restrictions that could negatively impact businesses and economic growth. ECOWAS promotes free movement of goods and people among members; the new arrangement means that citizens of the three countries will need a visa to enter other Western states and vice versa.

2. Political instability: The withdrawal of these countries could signal underlying political instability or dissatisfaction with ECOWAS leadership and policies. It may reflect a lack of confidence in ECOWAS’s ability to address regional challenges effectively, such as security threats, terrorism, and political unrest.

3. Security concerns: West Africa faces various security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and intercommunal conflicts. ECOWAS plays a vital role in coordinating regional security initiatives and peacekeeping efforts.

The withdrawal of Mali, the Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso could weaken collective security mechanisms and diminish the region’s ability to respond to security threats effectively. For instance, Niger is part of the Multinational Joint Task Force combating the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad region; its exit from ECOWAS may jeopardise the counterterrorism efforts in the region.

4. Regional integration: ECOWAS aims to promote regional integration and cooperation in various fields, including politics, economics, and culture. The withdrawal of member states undermines these integration efforts and may hinder progress towards achieving shared regional goals and objectives.

5. Diplomatic relations: The withdrawal of Mali, the Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS could strain diplomatic relations between these countries and other member states. It may also impact regional diplomacy and cooperation on broader issues affecting the West African region.

Read also: FG expresses concerns over withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS

6. ECOWAS influence diminished: The loss of three influential members weakens ECOWAS’s regional and international standing, impacting its ability to address regional challenges.

7. External interference risk: The withdrawal opens the door for increased external influence, with non-African actors like Russia potentially gaining a foothold.

The future depends on ECOWAS’s response. If dialogue and reconciliation efforts are successful, reintegration might be possible. However, if the rift persists, the West African region could face a prolonged period of instability with far-reaching consequences.

Bulama Bukarti, a security expert, has described the exit of the three countries from ECOWAS as a “colossal act of economic sabotage.”
He argued that it is unwise for the countries to isolate themselves from their closest neighbours amid the epic economic crisis, saying ordinary citizens will be the primary victims of the narcissistic ego of the military junta.

“Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrawing from ECOWAS amounts to a colossal act of economic self-sabotage. Isolating yourself from your closest neighbours amid an epic economic crisis is profoundly unwise, and unfortunately, ordinary citizens, who are led to believe this action serves their interests, will be the primary victims.

“Moreover, these countries lack an alternative to ECOWAS. This imprudent decision was driven solely by the narrow, narcissistic ego of the military juntas holding these nations hostage,” Bukarti said on his X account on Sunday.