Junta-led Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso officially quit West African bloc after more than a year of diplomatic tensions

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the regional bloc known as ECOWAS, the body said Wednesday.

The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) on Wednesday announced the formal exit of junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the bloc following their withdrawal last year.

Three countries under military rule have officially left West African regional bloc Ecowas, after more than a year of diplomatic tensions. The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is a huge blow to Ecowas, which at 50 years old is considered Africa's most important regional group.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has initiated the post-exit dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which will determine the new relationship between the rest of the region with the trio.

Following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) effective Wednesday, January 29, 2025, citizens, goods and services from the three former member-states are to continue to be treated according to ECOWAS protocols and policies.

Danso, security and international relations expert, says the exit of three junta-led states from the West Africa bloc would undermine the integration of the region. The former Dean and Director of Academic Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College said the formal exit of Niger,

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have officially left West Africa’s main political and trade group ECOWAS after more than a year of diplomatic tension.

The Sahel states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, are officially leaving the regional economic bloc ECOWAS on Wednesday, after 50 years.The withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States,

Junta-led countries Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso officially left West Africa's main political and trade group ECOWAS on Wednesday after more than a year of diplomatic tensions.

Foreign Minister Tuggar has said the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger from ECOWAS will bring about far-reaching consequences

The imminent departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks a pivotal moment in West Africa’s political and economic landscape.