What's happened
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to officially begin a six-month transitional period for the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which have accused the bloc of failing to address their security crises. This unprecedented move marks a significant shift in regional dynamics.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, the military juntas of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have accused ECOWAS of 'inhumane and irresponsible' sanctions, leading to their decision to leave the bloc. ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray acknowledged the challenges posed by this unprecedented division, emphasizing the need for unity in the region. The Independent highlights that the juntas are forming their own alliance and considering separate travel documentation, indicating a significant shift in regional dynamics. Babacar Ndiaye from the Timbuktu Institute noted that this situation represents ECOWAS's biggest challenge since its inception, with slim chances of reversing the departure due to the juntas' commitment to maintaining power.
How we got here
The military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their intention to leave ECOWAS in January 2024, citing sanctions and lack of support for internal security. Tensions escalated after ECOWAS threatened military intervention following a coup in Niger in July 2023.
More on these topics
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Mali, officially the Republic of Mali, is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mali is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of just over 1,240,000 square kilometres.
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Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It covers an area of around 274,200 square kilometres and is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north and west; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo to the southeast; Ghana to the south
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Niger or the Niger, officially the Republic of the Niger, is a landlocked country in West Africa named after the Niger River. Niger is bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria to the south, Benin to the southwest, Mali to the north-we
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The Economic Community of West African States, also known as ECOWAS, is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa.