The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) addressed the recent announcement of withdrawal by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. ECOWAS expressed readiness for a negotiated solution, emphasizing the importance of the departing countries as integral members.

Despite no formal notification, the bloc is committed to resolving the political impasse. The military regimes’ sudden withdrawal, as reported earlier, cited a ‘sovereign decision.’

Tensions have escalated due to jihadist violence and economic challenges since coups in Niger (July 2023), Burkina Faso (2022), and Mali (2020).”

Credit: Punch