As Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, Withdraws from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Analysts believes there’s tendencies that West Africa might face a geopolitical crisis.
The departure of these three Sahel nations, each under military rule, raises alarms about security cooperation, economic disruptions, and the future of regional integration.
Analysts believes the Sahel region is a global hotspot for violent extremism, with terrorist organisations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked groups expanding their operations.
The withdrawal of these trio from ECOWAS weakens regional coordination in counterterrorism, a move security experts warn could have far-reaching consequences.
Security Adviser
Dr. Abdoulaye Traoré, former ECOWAS security adviser, emphasized the dangers “These countries form a crucial frontline against terrorism. Without ECOWAS coordination, the security vacum could be exploited by insurgent groups, escalating instability across West Africa and beyond.”
However, the United Nations and international security organizations have expressed concern that diminished intelligence-sharing and military coordination could lead to a surge in cross-border attacks, affecting neighboring countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso threatens to disrupt trade routes, particularly for landlocked nations reliant on coastal ECOWAS members for imports and exports.
Reason being that ECOWAS is one of Africa’s largest regional economic blocs, fostering trade and free movement among its 15 member states.
Analyst
Economic analyst Fatoumata Diarra has also warned of rising costs and economic strain: “Mali and Burkina Faso depend on Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire for port access. A fractured ECOWAS could lead to increased tariffs, restricted movement of goods, and economic hardships for millions.”
The three breakaway nations have announced the formation of a new bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), raising concerns over economic fragmentation and reduced regional influence on global trade platforms.
Reconciliation
Despite their exit, ECOWAS leaders remains hopeful for reconciliation. The bloc has faced criticism for imposing harsh sanctions on these nations after their military coups, a factor some believe contributed to the decision to leave.
ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray urged continued dialogue, “Regional integration is in the best interest of all West African nations. We will continue to seek diplomatic solutions to restore cooperation.”
However, with geopolitical shifts and rising tensions, the future of ECOWAS as a united bloc is uncertain. Global powers, including the United States, the European Union, and China, are closely monitoring developments, as instability in West Africa could have ripple effects on international security, migration, and trade.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso withdrew from ECOWAS due to political tensions, security concerns, and economic grievances.
ECOWAS had imposed tough sanctions after military coups, which the juntas saw as punitive rather than supportive.
The trio accused ECOWAS of failing to assist in their fight against terrorism, opting for independent military strategies.
They formed AES to focus on regional security and economic self-reliance and rejected ECOWAS’s perceived alignment with France as well as Western interests, shifting towards new global partners.
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