Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Reaffirm Withdrawal from ECOWAS Amid Calls for Deadline Extension

The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has reiterated its irreversible decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The announcement came during a ministerial meeting of the alliance member countries in Niamey, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in areas such as security, counterterrorism, and the free movement of people and goods.

The Sahel countries confirm the irreversibility of the decision to withdraw from ECOWAS. We intend to strengthen cooperation among ourselves in the field of free movement of people and goods, ensuring security and combating terrorism, the press statement reads.

This declaration comes as the ECOWAS Council of Ministers concluded a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, where members voiced their intent to seek the return of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to the bloc through diplomatic engagement. The Council also emphasised the need to maintain unity in addressing regional challenges, including security and economic integration.

Also, the Bureau of the ECOWAS Parliament released a statement urging AGS members to extend the timeline for their formal withdrawal. The Bureau advocated for dialogue and reconciliation while expressing its commitment to ensuring the smooth adoption of the Community’s budget to support ongoing regional development initiatives.

The tensions between ECOWAS and the Alliance have escalated since the Sahel nations established their collective defence organisation in September 2023.

Under the AGS charter, an attack on any member state is considered aggression against all, warranting mutual assistance, including military force. The bloc’s creation signalled a shift in regional alliances and a rejection of what the members view as undue external influence on ECOWAS policies.

In January 2024, the three nations announced their intent to leave ECOWAS, citing the bloc’s alignment with foreign powers as a threat to the sovereignty of member states.

The establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States in July further solidified their break from the ECOWAS framework, prioritising in-depth regional cooperation over broader West African integration.

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