Shockwaves In West Africa As ECOWAS Faces Historic Breakup

Shockwaves In West Africa As ECOWAS Faces Historic Breakup

The deadline for Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to officially exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expires today, leaving the region in a state of uncertainty…READ MORE…

As part of ongoing developments, ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, is set to address the media today regarding the withdrawal of the three Sahel nations.

Background and Diplomatic Efforts

ECOWAS suspended these three countries in January 2024 following military coups that ousted their elected governments. In an effort to maintain diplomatic ties, the ECOWAS Commission sent formal requests for meetings with the junta-led governments, but no response has been received.

Confirming the diplomatic outreach, Joel Ahofodji, Head of Communication at ECOWAS, stated:

“ECOWAS has sent letters requesting meetings. We are awaiting official responses from the countries.”

When asked if the nations had shown any willingness to reconsider their withdrawal, Ahofodji responded, “No.”

Transition Period and Reconciliation Attempts

Under Article 91 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, member states are required to provide a one-year notice before withdrawal. As this period ends, ECOWAS has set a six-month transitional window, extending until July 29, 2025, to finalize the exit process and explore potential reconciliation.

During ECOWAS’s 66th Ordinary Session in December 2024, President Omar Touray reaffirmed the bloc’s openness to dialogue with the three nations. To facilitate discussions, Senegalese President Bassirou Faye and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé have been given extended mediation mandates.

Why Are Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Leaving?

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