By Douglas Jones
West Africa's most formidable economic and political alliance, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is facing its biggest crisis since its establishment in 1975. In what many have described as a seismic shift in regional politics, three key member states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—have officially withdrawn from the bloc, raising concerns about the future of economic cooperation and security in the region.
The three nations, all currently under military rule, declared their exit from ECOWAS on Sunday, February 4, citing a loss of confidence in the organization’s ability to represent their interests. The move, which had been in the works for over a year, signals growing dissatisfaction with the regional body, especially regarding its handling of military coups and sanctions imposed on member states that veer from democratic rule.
A House Divided
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has sent shockwaves across the region, with experts warning that ECOWAS is at risk of fragmentation. Political analyst Dr. Ahmed Olofin described the situation as "a significant blow to regional integration efforts, one that could weaken ECOWAS's influence in maintaining peace, security, and economic stability."
According to Dr. Olofin, the withdrawal of these countries, which together account for over 72 million people and hold strategic importance due to their shared borders, could create a ripple effect. "Other nations may begin questioning their own commitment to ECOWAS, especially if they feel the bloc is serving the interests of certain powerful nations rather than the collective good," he warned.
The three departing countries have formed an alternative alliance—the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS), a military and economic partnership aimed at countering terrorism and promoting self-sufficiency. However, critics argue that the split weakens ECOWAS’s long-term goal of regional integration and economic progress.
A History of Fractures
This is not the first time ECOWAS has faced internal challenges. In 2000, Mauritania quietly withdrew from the bloc, choosing to focus on its Arab affiliations rather than West African cooperation. However, unlike Mauritania’s exit, the departure of three countries at once poses a more direct existential threat to ECOWAS.
The crisis traces back to 2020, when Mali experienced a military coup that led to its suspension from ECOWAS. Similar events followed in Burkina Faso and Niger, and rather than engaging the junta-led governments through diplomatic means, ECOWAS imposed sweeping sanctions, effectively cutting these nations off from trade and financial support. The sanctions were meant to force the military leaders to return to democratic rule, but instead, they pushed them further away.
"We tried to work within ECOWAS," declared Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga, the Malian government spokesperson. "But we have seen that this organization no longer represents the people of the Sahel. It is manipulated by foreign powers that do not have our best interests at heart."
Burkina Faso’s interim leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, echoed this sentiment, accusing ECOWAS of hypocrisy. "They turn a blind eye to corruption and failed leadership in some member states, yet they punish others for taking matters into their own hands. This is not the ECOWAS we signed up for."
What Lies Ahead?
The withdrawal of these nations has sparked fears of an economic divide in West Africa. ECOWAS, known for its free movement of goods and people under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), now faces disruptions.
"Niger is a major exporter of uranium, Mali is a leading producer of gold, and Burkina Faso has one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors. Their exit could disrupt regional trade and supply chains," noted economist Bayo Ogundipe. "More so, it could make it difficult for the remaining ECOWAS members to enforce economic agreements that relied on their participation."
ECOWAS, for its part, has responded with measured caution. The bloc released a statement reaffirming its commitment to regional unity and stating, "Our doors remain open to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, should they choose to return. ECOWAS remains steadfast in its mission to foster economic growth, peace, and security across West Africa."
However, there is skepticism about whether reconciliation is possible. Former Nigerian diplomat, Ambassador John Ikenna, believes ECOWAS must rethink its approach. "If the organization truly wants to prevent further disintegration, it must stop acting like a judge and start behaving like a mediator. The heavy-handed sanctions approach has backfired spectacularly," he said.
The Road to Recovery
With or without Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, ECOWAS must now address its internal weaknesses. The organization has long been criticized for its slow response to security threats, its failure to curb corruption among member states, and its tendency to align with the interests of regional powerhouses like Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
To restore its credibility, ECOWAS may need to reform its policies and find a new approach to dealing with crises within member states. If not, the bloc may find itself shrinking further, potentially losing more members who feel alienated by its policies.
For now, the departure of three key nations marks a turning point in West African geopolitics. Whether ECOWAS emerges stronger from this crisis or continues to weaken will depend on how it chooses to engage with its remaining members and those who have chosen a different path.
As Dr. Olofin aptly put it, "ECOWAS is at a crossroads. It can either adapt and survive or resist change and fade into irrelevance. The choice is theirs."
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