In response to media reports suggesting the withdrawal of membership by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has stated that “the Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community.”
The suspension of the three Member States from the regional bloc underscores the bloc’s commitment to reinstating civilian governments through elections. Niger and Mali faced significant sanctions as ECOWAS pressed for a swift restoration of civilian rule.
The trio nations have had strained relations with ECOWAS due to the ongoing jihadist violence and economic challenges which became heightened by coups in Mali 2020, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Niger in 2023.
In a Communiqué issued by the ECOWAS on the 28th of January, 2024 in Abuja, the Commission as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government has been working assiduously with these three countries for restoration of constitutional order. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
