ECOWAS Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso : Departure Creates Vacuum

What started circulating as fake news on social media, was finally confirmed by the authorities.  Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have announced their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In a statement issued on Sunday, January 28, 2024, the three countries blamed the thirteen other member States for not respecting the fundamental principles set by the founding fathers of the institution, “instead of helping the three nations fight against terrorism, ECOWAS has only provoked a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Sahel countries by means of its sanctions,” the three Sahel nations posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). In September 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger under ECOWAS sanctions because of coups, established the Alliance of Sahel States, a collective defense bloc, which stated that any violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any of its members would be seen as an aggression against all and would require their assistance, including the use of force. For the past three years, the regional block has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order. The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said it is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three countries about their intention to withdraw from the sub-regional body, CT throws more light on the implications of the withdrawal of these three countries from the regional bloc after 49 years of stewardship. 

“Their Departure Would Trigger Geopolitical Changes”
Dr Tarh Humphrey Ntantang, Political Economist, Researcher and Founder of Ntantang Center for Research and Consultation, Documentation, Language and Culture Yaounde.

What reading do you make following the announcement by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)?
I must say the decision by the three countries to withdraw is not a surprise to those who have been following the evolution of events West Africa. It is not good news for the 15--member organization because it is going to trigger substantial geopolitical changes. In the joint statement released on Sunday, January 28, 2024 by the three West African nations, they clearly expressed their dissatisfaction and criticize the organization for imposing “inhumane” sanctions on them as part of efforts to address coups within their borders. To them it is an indication that ECOWAS has deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism. The severing of ties after 49 years of affiliation raises concerns about the stability and cooperation that ECOWAS has historically fostered in the region. The departure of these countries threatens to disrupt the collaborative efforts aimed at addressing economic, political, and security challenges across West Africa. I strongly believe that ECOWAS made a grave error by resorting to threats, particularly towards Niger in trying to solve the coup crisis. A more diplomatic approach should have been adopted. 

What are the consequences of the withdrawal of these countries from the organization? 
The withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the ECOWAS is poised to have far-reaching consequences, both regionally and internationally. Internationally, the withdrawal may prompt shifts in geopolitical alignments, as these West African nations reassess their roles and engagements on the global stage. The use of force, once a deterrent, no longer intimidates or threatens member states, allowing them to act against the organizatio...