West Africa Bloc Confirms Exit of Junta-led States

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially announced the exit of junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc, effective January 29, Arab News reported. This decision follows the countries’ withdrawal last year amid a series of military coups in West Africa.

ECOWAS had previously demanded a return to democratic governance in Niger after a coup in 2023, prompting the three nations to announce their departure. In response, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States and introduced their own biometric passports.

Despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS members have agreed to maintain diplomatic relations with the three states. They will recognize national passports bearing the ECOWAS logo, allowing continued trade under existing agreements. In December, ECOWAS provided a six-month grace period for reconsideration of the exit, but the bloc has now confirmed the formal separation. Future engagement strategies with the three countries will be determined by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.