ECOWAS President H.E. Omar Alieu Touray Addresses the Exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Regional Bloc
By Raymond Enoch
In what turned up to be a historic moment for West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially confirmed the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc.
H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, addressed the press at the Commission’s headquarters today in Abuja, outlining the transitional arrangements that will define the next phase of relations between ECOWAS and the three departing countries.
The withdrawal, which takes effect immediately, follows months of political and diplomatic tensions, as the three Sahelian nations, all governed by military-led governments, cited concerns over sovereignty, security, and external influence as reasons for their departure. The exit marks a significant shift in West African geopolitics, raising concerns about regional stability, economic cooperation, and security collaboration in a region already battling terrorism and economic challenges.
Dr. Touray emphasized that while the three countries have formally withdrawn, transitional measures will be in place until the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government finalizes the full modalities for future engagement. “The process of withdrawal is not instantaneous; there are legal, economic, and institutional considerations that must be addressed,” he noted.
Among the key areas of focus during this transition are trade agreements, free movement policies, security cooperation, and the status of ongoing ECOWAS-funded projects in the three countries. Dr. Touray assured that ECOWAS remains open to dialogue and will work to minimize disruptions for citizens and businesses affected by the separation.
“The well-being of the people of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger remains a priority for ECOWAS. We will ensure that ongoing development initiatives and humanitarian assistance are not abruptly halted. However, the specifics will depend on future negotiations,” he explained.
The exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger raises major security concerns for the region. All three nations have been battling extremist insurgencies and had previously benefited from regional military cooperation under ECOWAS mechanisms. Their departure could complicate counterterrorism efforts, particularly in coordination with neighboring ECOWAS member states.
Economically, the withdrawal could impact trade and investment flows, as the three countries share deep economic ties with ECOWAS nations. Dr. Touray acknowledged these concerns but reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to fostering cooperation, even with non-member states. “Regional integration is a long-term vision, and despite these changes, ECOWAS will continue to advocate for collaboration across West Africa,” he stated.
The departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger marks one of the most significant challenges ECOWAS has faced in its nearly 50-year history. While the regional bloc has dealt with political crises in the past, this withdrawal signals a broader shift in West African geopolitics, particularly as the three nations explore alternative alliances, including closer ties with Russia and other non-Western powers.
As ECOWAS navigates this period of transition, Dr. Touray reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and economic prosperity. “ECOWAS was built on the principles of unity and cooperation. While this is a moment of divergence, it does not mean the doors to dialogue are closed. The future of West Africa remains interconnected,” he concluded.
The coming months will be crucial in shaping the new dynamics between ECOWAS and the three former member states. While the withdrawal represents a shift in regional politics, the long-term impact remains to be seen as both sides negotiate the path forward.
