Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger from ECOWAS Effective Today After One Year Exit Notice
The three countries, all ruled by military juntas, had announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in January 2024, citing the organization's "illegal, illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions" and accusing it of being under the influence of foreign powers. Despite efforts by ECOWAS to persuade them to stay, they have decided to go ahead with their withdrawal.
As a result of their exit, citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will no longer have access to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which has been a key avenue for seeking justice for human rights violations in the region. The court has issued landmark decisions on human rights issues, including a 2008 ruling on slavery that held Niger responsible for failing to protect one of its citizens from enslavement.
The withdrawal of these three countries is a blow to ECOWAS, which has been working to promote economic integration, democracy, and human rights in the region. However, ECOWAS has said that it will continue to work with the three countries to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain existing arrangements for the free movement of people and goods.
It's worth noting that the three countries have formed their own alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States, which aims to provide mutual defense, pool resources, and establish a common market. This move is seen as a significant shift in the regional dynamics, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the coming months and years.
https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/01/30/withdrawal-of-burkina-faso-mali-niger-from-ecowas-effective-today-after-one-year-exit-notice/