Three West African nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—will permanently leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by 2025, according to an announcement by ECOWAS President Alieu Touray. This declaration was made during the 66th ordinary session of ECOWAS heads of state and government in Abuja on Sunday.
The decision follows tensions between the bloc and these three nations, all of which are currently governed by military regimes.
Earlier this year, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had announced their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing disagreements with the organization’s policies. Prior to this, they had already faced suspensions and, in the cases of Mali and Niger, strict economic sanctions imposed by the regional body.
Touray explained that the countries’ formal exit would take place between January 29 and July 29, 2025. This timeline has been established to allow time for any potential last-minute mediations or diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation.
The military governments of the three nations have maintained that their decision to leave is final and “irreversible.” In a joint statement, they accused ECOWAS of favoring the interests of France, their former colonial ruler. The leaders emphasized their commitment to creating a new path focused on the welfare of their citizens.
