ECOWAS Officially Cuts Ties with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso After Military Coups

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formally recognized the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the regional body.

A press release issued on January 29, 2025, confirmed that the departure of the three nations became official after a six-month grace period.

The statement from the ECOWAS Commission underlined the importance of regional unity and encouraged both member and non-member states to continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo.

Additionally, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) will remain in effect, allowing trade to continue between member and non-member states.

Citizens of non-member countries will still benefit from visa-free movement and other privileges as outlined in ECOWAS protocols.

This decision marks a significant shift for West Africa’s political landscape.

The departure of these three countries follows a series of military coups that disrupted their governance structures. In 2020, a military coup in Mali ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, resulting in the country’s suspension from ECOWAS.

Relations between Mali and ECOWAS further deteriorated after a second coup in 2021, which led to Mali’s formal withdrawal from the organization in 2022.

Burkina Faso’s situation mirrored that of Mali. In January and September of 2022, military coups led to the country’s suspension and eventual exit from ECOWAS.

Similarly, in July 2023, a coup in Niger ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, resulting in the suspension of Niger’s membership and the imposition of sanctions by ECOWAS.

While the precise reasons for the departure of these countries remain difficult to pinpoint, many observers have attributed the moves to widespread dissatisfaction among their populations.

High living costs, poor governance, and daily struggles to achieve a sustainable life have fueled frustration, prompting a reevaluation of their relationship with ECOWAS.

As the region undergoes significant changes, the departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso marks a pivotal moment in West Africa’s political and economic future, with far-reaching implications for the stability and cohesion of the entire region.