The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) formally announced on Wednesday the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc. These three countries, which were under military rule after announcing their withdrawal last year, formed the Alliance of Sahel States instead of returning to ECOWAS following a demand for democratic reforms.
The junta-led states cited a 2023 coup in Niger as the reason for their departure and subsequently formed an alternate bloc. However, ECOWAS later stated it would continue its engagement with the three countries, recognizing national passports and identity cards featuring the bloc’s logo to maintain trade and diplomatic ties under existing agreements.
ECOWAS also granted the three states a six-month grace period before they must decide their future role within the bloc. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day.
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Reporting by Ope Adetayo, Editing by Chijioke Ohuocha and Angus MacSwan
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/west-africa-bloc-announces-formal-exit-three-junta-led-states-2025-01-29