By Calista Oyeoba / Posted January 29, 2025

Finally, after one year of diplomatic uncertainty, the trio of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso on Wednesday officially quit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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This official withdrawal by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso marks a critical moment for 50-year old regional body, both politically and economically. The move weakens regional integration efforts and raises concerns about stability in West Africa, especially given the security challenges in the Sahel region.

The three countries had accused ECOWAS of being influenced by external powers, particularly in its response to their military coups, and they had already formed their own alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), as an alternative to the regional bloc.

However, ECOWAS said it’s keeping its doors open signals an attempt at reconciliation, but the long-term impact of this split could redefine political and trade dynamics in the region.

“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger has become effective today, 29th January 2025,” ECOWAS said in a statement.

The ECOWAS had demanded a restoration of democratic rule in Niger, following a military coup in 2023.

It will be recalled that the three states announced their withdrawal from the bloc last January, went ahead to set up their own bloc and launched their own biometric passports.

The remaining ECOWAS members tentatively agreed also agreed to continue recognising national passports and identity bearing the bloc’s logo from the countries, to continue trade under existing regional agreement, and to continue diplomatic cooperation with the countries.

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“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries of by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government,” ECOWAS said.

NOTE: Calista is a Trainee-journalist who contributes regularly to DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, Ekocity Polytechnic, Lagos

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