Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger accused a regional bloc known as ECOWAS of having double standards in punishing their military juntas. Negotiations failed to change their minds.

The three junta-led West African nations withdrawal is the culmination of a yearlong process during which the grouping tried to avert its unprecedented disintegration.

Thousands of people rallied Tuesday in Niger and Burkina Faso in support of the withdrawal of their countries from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, which is due to take effect today.

The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) on Wednesday announced the formal exit of junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the bloc following their withdrawal last year.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to still recognise Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger despite the withdrawal of the three countries from the West African regional body which took effect today (Thursday, January 29, 2025).

ECOWAS assured that passports and identity cards bearing its logo will remain valid for travel within the region.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged its member states not to close their doors to Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which recently exited the bloc .

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

The three countries, led by military governments, cited ECOWAS's alleged alignment with former colonial powers and failure to support their fight against terrorism as reasons for their departure.

As countries continue to pivot from France, Paris too has begun implementing a new Africa strategy launched in late 2024: There are plans to permanently reduce troop presence in countries that have not yet kicked out French forces, like Gabon, where there are still about 300 French soldiers.

The departure of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from West Africa's most influential bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), raises concerns, especially in the areas of security and economics,