The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced on Sunday, January 28, the "immediate" withdrawal of their countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which urges negotiation for a solution.
The leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced on Sunday their decision to withdraw "immediately" from ECOWAS, asserting their sovereignty. In their joint announcement, the three Sahelian states state that by making this decision, they are taking "full responsibility before history" and responding to "the expectations, concerns, and aspirations of their populations."
In response and pending "formal and direct notification," ECOWAS stated in a release that the three countries are "important members of the Community" and that it "remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political deadlock" created by their withdrawal announcement.
The announced break was well received, particularly in Niamey, where hundreds of people gathered to express their approval and support. Anti-ECOWAS signs were raised.
"We are here to express our joy after the announcement of the exit of the three countries from ECOWAS. We salute the courage of our three leaders who show what they are capable of facing ECOWAS," said Hassane Gado, a young protester.
As a reminder, in response to changes in leadership in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, ECOWAS had imposed heavy sanctions against Mali and Niger before easing them. Its decision-making bodies had suspended their membership in this community and even threatened to use force. The transitional governments of the three countries consistently denounced what they saw as the instrumentalization of ECOWAS by France, and their withdrawal is the latest and final rupture to date.