According to ECOWAS, the three West African countries run by juntas—Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—have officially left the Ecowas regional bloc.
It is the result of a year-long process in which the group attempted to prevent its extraordinary breakdown. Ecowas stated in a statement that the action, which was first announced a year ago, “has become effective today.”
It has, however, made the decision to “keep Ecowas’ doors open,” asking that member states continue to grant the three nations membership benefits, such as unrestricted travel around the region with an Ecowas passport.
The Economic Community of West African States, a regional bloc consisting of 15 countries, was founded in 1975 with the sole objective of “promoting cooperation and integration in order to raise the living standards of its peoples, and to maintain and enhance economic stability.”
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Since then, it has developed into the leading political force in the area, frequently working with governments to address internal issues on a range of fronts, including politics, the economy, and security.
According to others, Ecowas is rapidly losing the favour and support of many West Africans, who feel that it does not adequately represent their interests in a region where residents have lamented that they are not able to take advantage of their nations’ abundant natural riches.
The juntas in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso declared their intention to withdraw from Ecowas after assuming power, and in September they established the Alliance of Sahel States, a new security alliance.