Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso's Withdrawal from ECOWAS

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which began on 28 January 2024 and became official on 29 January 2025, is a development that has affected regional economic and political balances. The three countries decided to leave ECOWAS in response to its sanctions and political interventions, instead establishing a new cooperation mechanism under the name of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The secession process has been shaped by rising diplomatic tensions between ECOWAS and the three countries, differences in security policies, and shifts in their relations with external powers.

Still from a meeting held by ECOWAS on 15 December 2024. At the meeting, the three countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—were given six months to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the bloc. – Premium Times

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ECOWAS is a multilateral group established on 28 May 1975 with the aim of enhancing economic cooperation among West African countries, creating a free trade area, and promoting regional peace. Its headquarters are located in Abuja, Nigeria, and it comprises 15 member states. In addition to promoting free trade within the region, ECOWAS also seeks to uphold democratic governance.

ECOWAS is recognized as a regional actor with the authority to intervene in political crises in West Africa. In cases of military coups and internal conflicts, the group has the power to impose economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure to restore democratic rule in member states.

Map showing the 15 countries that constitute ECOWAS. Orange represents current members, while gray represents Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which have withdrawn from the bloc. – Anadolu Ajansı

Background

Military coups that took place in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso between 2020 and 2023 led to the deterioration of relations between these countries and ECOWAS, marking the beginning of the secession process.

Military Coups and Tensions with ECOWAS

Military Coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso

Mali: Two military coups occurred in August 2020 and May 2021, resulting in the removal of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta and the takeover of power by a military administration.

Burkina Faso: Two coups took place in January and September 2022, leading to the removal of Presidents Roch Marc Christian Kaboré and Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.

Niger: On 26 July 2023, President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a military coup, and power was seized by military officers.

In response to these coups, ECOWAS imposed political and economic sanctions on the countries’ leaders and suspended their membership until a return to democratic governance was achieved.

ECOWAS Intervention Efforts and Sanctions

ECOWAS implemented economic sanctions and a policy of diplomatic isolation against the military regimes. Following the coup in Niger, ECOWAS leadership raised the possibility of military intervention, but this initiative faced strong opposition from the international community. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger concluded that ECOWAS was under the influence of Western powers and decided to break away from it.

The Process of Withdrawal from ECOWAS

28 January 2024: Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso announced their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS in a joint declaration.

16 December 2024: The decision to withdraw was formally endorsed at the 66th ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja, Nigeria.

29 January 2025: Membership in ECOWAS officially ended.

On 15 December 2024, ECOWAS granted the three countries a six-month transition period to reverse their withdrawal decision, but the countries declared they would not return.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the New Regional Order

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was established in September 2023 by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The three countries aim to create a new framework based on security, economic development, and regional integration, replacing ECOWAS.

Key Policies of the AES

Joint Defense and Military Cooperation: A joint force of 5,000 personnel has been established. A collective defense mechanism has been created to counter any potential military intervention from ECOWAS member states.

New Economic Structures: The three countries, having left the ECOWAS common market, aim to develop a new trade and economic model. Discussions are underway regarding the possibility of a common currency or economic union for the three nations.

New Passport and Free Movement Mechanism: The three countries, having departed from ECOWAS’s biometric passport system, have announced plans to develop their own common passport. While free movement between the three countries will be maintained, it remains unclear whether a new policy toward ECOWAS will be established.

Impacts on ECOWAS

With the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, ECOWAS’s population has decreased from 424 million to approximately 354 million. These three landlocked countries are economically dependent on ECOWAS coastal member states for trade. Their departure is expected to affect trade routes and customs policies in West Africa. ECOWAS intervenes in regional crises through its military arm, ECOMOG. The withdrawal may weaken the bloc’s capacity to coordinate security efforts in the region.