ECOWAS has given Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger six months to reconsider their departure from the regional bloc. The decision came after the three Sahel nations announced they would leave in January, citing “inhumane” sanctions and subservience to France.
The commission’s president, Omar Alieu Touray, set a transitional period of July 2025 for the countries to rejoin ECOWAS. This is the first time in the bloc’s nearly 50-year history that member states have asked to leave.
However, the gesture may fall on deaf ears, as the three nations have largely rebuffed ECOWAS’ efforts and created their own alliance. They have severed ties with France and are pivoting towards Russia’s sphere of influence.
ECOWAS has led international calls for the countries to return to democracy. The bloc claims progress in exit reversal talks, but it remains unclear if the coup-hit nations will change their minds.
The departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger is expected to have a significant impact on free trade, movement, and security cooperation in West Africa. With visa-free travel between member states being a key benefit, their exit could disrupt this arrangement.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/african-coup-hit-states-get-more-time-to-rethink-ecowas-exit/a-71062686