Leaders of the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their decision to exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday, claiming the regional bloc has become a tool for foreign powers, posing a threat to member states. The move by these three countries is novel and unprecedented as it portends far-reaching geopolitical ramifications.
The coup leaders have faced increasing pressure from sanctions imposed by the 15-member bloc, targeted at accelerating their transition to democratic rule. After the overthrow of erstwhile Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum last July, the latest coup in the West African region, ECOWAS-chaired by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu threatened to use force to restore democratic rule. Both Mali and Burkina Faso have warned against the France-backed military action in Niger, claiming that any such move would be interpreted as an act of war against their countries.
In response to the takeovers in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, ECOWAS said it does not recognize the military-led regimes in addition to economic sanctions. The 15-nation economic group also vowed to no longer tolerate power grabs in the region, which has also witnessed a successful coup in Guinea and a recently attempted one in Guinea-Bissau.
However, in a show of defiance, Ouagadougou, Bamako, and Niamey unified against ECOWAS, repeatedly accusing it of acting under Western influence. Late last year, the military rulers of the three former French colonies signed a charter that formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), committing to help each other, individually or collectively, in the event of an external attack or internal threats to their sovereignty. All three have also severed military ties with France, citing meddling and the failure of French troops to defeat Islamic insurgencies in the Sahel region, despite more than a decade of involvement.
Also, the three nations denounced ECOWAS for failing to support them in fighting the region’s decade-long jihadist violence. The military rulers have repeatedly justified their seizure of power by citing the civilian governments’ failures to fight insurgents in the Sahel region.
“When these states decided to take their destiny into their own hands, it [ECOWAS] adopted an irrational and unacceptable posture by imposing illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible sanctions in violation of its own principles,” the military leaders stated.
“After 49 years of existence, the valiant people of Burkina, Mali, and Niger note with great regret, bitterness, and great disappointment” in ECOWAS and have “decided in complete sovereignty on the immediate withdrawal” from the bloc, according to the statement on Sunday.
In its response, ECOWAS said it had yet to receive formal notification from the military authorities regarding their withdrawal. While sub-regional body has not provided a detailed response to the withdrawal decision, Nigeria, its current chair, has defended the bloc, claiming that ECOWAS has “worked to promote peace, prosperity, and democracy” in the region for nearly 50 years and decried the decision by the military governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the alliance.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian Foreign Ministry warned that the “unelected” leaders of the three West African countries, who took power in coups, were engaging in actions that will undermine the freedom of their people.
“Nigeria has worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced. It is now clear that those seeking to quit the community do not share that same good faith,” the ministry said.
The Foreign Ministry further stated that Nigeria remains open for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to “enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces.”
Understandably, the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS will have a more significant impact on Nigeria more than the bloc’s remaining members. When you look at West Africa on a map, Nigeria’s border runs for hundreds of kilometers against Niger, which borders Mali, with Burkina Faso sandwiched in the middle. All three are pulling out of ECOWAS, and when they do, Nigeria would have more to lose in terms of security and economy than the other 12 members. The disruption could hinder progress on negotiations on protocols relating to trade, investment and implementation of AfCFTA as well as development initiatives such as the establishment of a common market and the adoption of a single currency.
But it does not warrant Nigerian government to declare and maintain with certainty that prosperity could only be attained only through liberal democracy, and accuse Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger military regimes of letting their people down. To the contrary, Niger is currently one of the fastest growing economies in Africa while a democratic Nigeria is battling with its highest inflation in 27 years and its national currency, the Naira, exchanges at 1,450 to the US Dollar.
To understand the true meaning of letting down, I will tell you that it’s Nigeria that has let its citizens down with over 130 million out of 220 million people already in multi-dimensional poverty and youth unemployment rate at a neck breaking 33 per cent.
ECOWAS has existed for almost five decades and it’s difficult to show me the tangible benefit citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have enjoyed. The impoverished citizens of these nations are even happy about the decision of their respective countries to leave the France-controlled ECOWAS. Life is a choice. Let’s know the benefits of ECOWAS to member countries first, including Nigeria.
I believe the exit of the three countries from the bloc would provide them with more decision-making freedom. ECOWAS has failed to attain its full potential and become a genuinely independent regional organization, because of leaders desire to make money from donor programs and cooperation with the European Union (EU) and other Western institutions prevented the organization from pursuing policies in the interests of member states.
One of the primary drivers behind the withdrawal is the escalating security challenges faced by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These countries have been grappling with a surge in terrorist activities, armed conflicts, and internal instability. The lack of effective regional security coordination has led to a growing perception that ECOWAS has failed to address these pressing issues adequately. Consequently, these countries believe that they need to pursue their own security strategies outside the organization.
Similarly, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are among the poorest nations in West Africa, with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment. ECOWAS, as a regional economic organization, has failed to bridge the economic disparities between its member states effectively. The withdrawal stemmed from a perception that remaining within ECOWAS would not yield expected economic benefits. They believe that they can pursue alternative strategies to stimulate economic growth and development outside the bloc.
Another factor contributing to the withdrawal is the perceived erosion of national sovereignty. ECOWAS has increasingly encroached on the decision-making processes of member countries, limiting their ability to independently determine their own destinies. These countries seek to reclaim greater autonomy over their domestic affairs. The withdrawal was a means of reasserting national sovereignty and protecting their interests.
For possible solutions, ECOWAS needs to enhance its security coordination mechanisms to address the concerns of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger effectively. This could involve establishing a dedicated regional security force, bolstering engagement and intelligence sharing, as well as uproviding technical assistance to member states facing security challenges. By demonstrating its commitment to addressing security concerns, the bloc can persuade these countries to reconsider their withdrawal.
But principally, ECOWAS should reaffirm its commitment to respecting the national sovereignty of its member states. The organization should avoid encroaching on the decision-making processes of individual nations and instead focus on providing a platform for cooperation, consultation, and consensus-building. This approach can help assuage concerns regarding sovereignty and foster a sense of ownership among member countries.
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS represents a significant challenge to regional cooperation and integration in West Africa. The reasons behind their decision highlight the need for ECOWAS to address security concerns, economic disparities, and sovereignty issues. By abandoning Western imperialistic interests, implementing tailored solutions and fostering a renewed sense of purpose, ECOWAS can work towards persuading these countries to reconsider their withdrawal and promote a stronger and more inclusive regional organization.
