Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally left the regional bloc ECOWAS.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the regional bloc known as ECOWAS.
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is a huge blow to ECOWAS.
These three countries decide to leave ECOWAS after the demand to restore diplomatic rule.
Relations between Ecowas and these three countries have deteriorated after the military seized power in Niger in 2023, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020.
Ecowas said it would keep its “doors open” to Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
The 15-nation ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) was formed in 1975 to “promote economic integration” in member states of West Africa.
All citizens of ECOWAS have the right to live and work in all member states. Additionally, the region allows for the free movement of goods across its borders.