The West African Junta leaders namely Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have recently announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc that promotes political and economic integration among it’s 15 member states. All three countries have experienced coups d’état in the past few years and have military rulers.
The junta leaders said they decided to cut ties with ECOWAS because the bloc had become a “threat to its member states” and had “failed to assist” them in their fight against terrorism and insecurity. They also accused ECOWAS of being influenced by “foreign powers” and imposing “illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible” sanctions on them. ECOWAS has been pushing for a return to civilian rule in the three junta-led countries and had suspended them from the bloc until they hold democratic elections. ECOWAS had also threatened to use military force to restore democracy in Niger, which had a coup in July 2023.
The withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS could have serious consequences for the region, as it could undermine the stability and economic development of West Africa. The three countries are also part of the West African Monetary Union, which has a common currency and a common central bank. It is unclear how their exit from ECOWAS will affect their participation in the monetary union.
The junta leaders have also severed ties with France, their former colonial power, and have moved closer to Russia, which has been providing them with military and diplomatic support. Russia has deployed its private security contractors, the Wagner Group, in Mali and Burkina Faso, and has sent 100 military personnel to Burkina Faso this week
