Mali, B’ Faso, and Niger set to leave ECOWAS January 2025

The ECOWAS Parliament has raised concerns about Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger leaving the bloc on January 29, 2025, urging an extension for negotiations.

The Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), learnt that the Parliament approved a consolidated budget of 418,062,927 Units of Account for 2025, supporting various ECOWAS agencies and special projects for peace.

According to reports, the West African Health Organization’s budget rose by 14.21%, reaching 71,596,777 Units, while the ECOWAS Parliament’s budget decreased by 19.5% to 18,696,897 Units.

During its recent session in Abuja, the ECOWAS Bureau reviewed 10 Community Acts from the Commission focused on energy, transport, and education.

The Bureau also engaged with the Programme for Women’s Political Participation, exploring strategies to enhance women’s roles in governance in the region.

Earlier development

According to a report in January, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their exit from ECOWAS, citing a departure from its founding principles.

They claimed ECOWAS has become a threat and failed to assist in combating terrorism.

The ECOWAS Commission responded, stating it hasn’t received formal notification of their withdrawal and emphasized their importance as members.

The military leaders of the three nations made the announcement in a joint statement, expressing regret over the organization’s shift from its original ideals.

The statement read: “With profound disappointment, the citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger note that their organization has strayed from the vision of its founders and the principles of pan-Africanism after nearly five decades of existence.”

“Moreover, ECOWAS has compromised its founding principles under external influences, thereby posing a threat to the well-being and stability of its member states and their populations.”

“Regrettably, the organization has failed to provide support to our states in their fight against terrorism and insecurity.

Furthermore, when these states took matters into their own hands, the organization imposed unjustified and unacceptable sanctions, contravening its own principles and exacerbating the suffering of populations already ravaged by violence.”

They noted that their membership withdrawal was with immediate effect.

“In light of the ongoing situation, the Heads of State of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, namely Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Colonel Assimi Goita, and Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani, have collectively decided to withdraw their countries from the Economic Community of West African States, exercising their sovereign rights and responding to the needs and aspirations of their citizens.”

ECOWAS responded

ECOWAS in a communique released in Abuja responded that no formal notice has been received concerning the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the West African regional organization.

The commission said: “ECOWAS Commission has taken note of a televised announcement on Mali and Niger’s national networks, stating Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s intention to withdraw from the regional bloc.

“Despite their public announcement, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger haven’t officially informed ECOWAS of their decision to withdraw.

“The commission is working closely with these countries, as instructed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, to get constitutional order back on track.

“ECOWAS still considers Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali important members, even after they announced their withdrawal, and is working to find a way out of the current political crisis.

“The ECOWAS Commission remains actively engaged in addressing the development and will provide further updates as the situation unfolds.

About ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) unites fifteen West African countries for political and economic collaboration.

ECOWAS aims for “collective self-sufficiency” by creating a large trade bloc and enhancing economic development among members.

Established on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS promotes economic integration through the Treaty of Lagos and its subsequent revisions.

The commission operates on principles of equity, solidarity, cooperation, and the promotion of human rights and social justice.

The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol allows citizens to reside in any member state, fostering regional mobility and integration.

It also acts as a peacekeeping force, deploying joint military interventions during political crises in member countries.

In 2024, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS after being suspended due to military coups.

During a December 2024 summit, its leaders discussed the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the bloc.

9. Senegal’s President Basirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the importance of maintaining the Alliance of Sahel States for regional security.

ECOWAS President Bola Tinubu expressed the potential for reintegration of the three countries, aligning with their populations’ desires.

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