On January 28, 2024, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The three countries accused ECOWAS of failing to support their fight against terrorism while imposing “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions“. ECOWAS, in turn, suspended all three countries and imposed heavy sanctions on Niger and Mali. The withdrawal of these three countries from ECOWAS has implications for regional stability.

The decision of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from ECOWAS reflects the deepening rift between these countries and the regional bloc. The three countries have been suspended from ECOWAS due to military coups that took place in Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023. ECOWAS has been urging these countries to return to democratic rule, but the military juntas have accused the bloc of being influenced by external powers and failing to support their fight against terrorism and insecurity.

The decision of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from ECOWAS reflects the deepening rift between these countries and the regional bloc, with the military juntas accusing ECOWAS of failing to support their fight against terrorism and insecurity. Local NGOs like the United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP) call for the establishment of an ECOWAS Anti-terrorism Task Force, as the region faces increasing threats from terrorism and the consequences of the withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS.