In a strongly worded joint statement According to the spokesperson of the Mali government, Colonel Abdulaye Maiga, the three countries expressed deep disappointment in ECOWAS, asserting that the organization has deviated from the principles of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism after 49 years of membership. The statement accused ECOWAS of failing to assist the member states in their struggle against terrorism and insecurity. Moreover, it criticized the organization for imposing what the nations deemed “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions” in response to the military takeovers, exacerbating the challenges faced by their populations.
The tension between the juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger and the ECOWAS escalated following the suspension of the three countries from the regional body due to their refusal to return to civilian rule after the coups. The nations argue that ECOWAS, instead of supporting their efforts to tackle internal crises, took an irrational and unacceptable stance that further weakened their already vulnerable populations.
The disagreement came to a head during a summit held in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, in December. West African leaders demanded a swift transition toward civilian rule in coup-hit Niger before considering the easing of economic sanctions imposed on the nation. However, Niger’s junta, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, declared that it would take three years to return to civilian rule. Mali, on the other hand, has experienced two coups since August 2020, with civilian rule last in place before the first coup. Burkina Faso faced the overthrow of its elected government in 2022.
The decision to exit ECOWAS reflects the deep-seated dissatisfaction of these West African nations with the regional body’s handling of the political crises within their borders. It remains to be seen how this move will impact the diplomatic landscape in the region and whether it will lead to further isolation or foster new alliances for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
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