Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Quit ECOWAS

In a joint statement on Sunday, the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger declared their decision to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) “without delay”, describing it as a sovereign act.

Since coups took place in Niger last July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020, All three were suspended from ECOWAS with Niger and Mali facing heavy sanctions.

ECOWAS, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, had issued a threat of military action if the Niger junta failed to transfer power to a civilian government.

However, ECOWAS reacted to the decision in a statement posted on their website;

The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS
Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community.
The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves.