Three West African countries have announced their withdrawal from the regional bloc ECOWAS, following its suspension of their membership over military coups. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso said on Sunday that they were leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing it of failing to support them in their fight against Islamist militants and violating their sovereignty.
ECOWAS under pressure
ECOWAS, a 15-member organization that promotes economic integration and political stability in West Africa, has been facing a crisis of legitimacy and credibility since last year, when it failed to prevent or resolve the military takeovers in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. The bloc imposed sanctions on the three countries, demanding the restoration of constitutional order and the holding of free and fair elections. However, the junta leaders have defied the pressure and refused to comply with the ECOWAS demands.
The withdrawal of the three countries is a major blow to the regional bloc, which has been hailed as a model of cooperation and democracy in Africa. It also poses a security threat to the region, as the three countries are at the forefront of the fight against Islamist insurgents, who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more in the Sahel region. ECOWAS has been supporting the counter-terrorism efforts of the three countries, as well as the deployment of a regional force, known as the G5 Sahel, to combat the militants.
What’s next for the three countries?
The three countries are landlocked and depend on their ECOWAS neighbors for trade and access to ports. Leaving the bloc could have serious economic consequences for them, as they could face higher tariffs and restrictions on the movement of goods and people. The withdrawal could also isolate them diplomatically and politically, as they could lose the support and solidarity of their regional allies.
The three countries have not yet formally notified ECOWAS of their decision, which would require a one-year notice period, according to the ECOWAS treaty. It is unclear whether they intend to do so, or whether they are open to dialogue and negotiation with the bloc. Nigeria, which is the headquarters of ECOWAS, could convene an emergency summit to discuss the situation, but it may not have much leverage to persuade them to stay.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who is the current chair of ECOWAS, has been vocal in condemning the military coups and calling for the return of democracy in the three countries. However, he has also faced criticism for his handling of the domestic challenges in Nigeria, such as the economic recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the security crisis.
Despite the setback, some analysts and observers have expressed hope that the three countries will eventually rejoin ECOWAS, and that the bloc will overcome its difficulties and continue to play a positive role in the region. They have also urged the international community to support the efforts of ECOWAS and the African Union to promote peace, security and development in West Africa.
In 1975, fifteen West African countries established the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with the aim of promoting economic trade, cooperation, and self-reliance, and to raise the living standards of its peoples. The bloc has achieved some notable successes, such as the creation of a common market, the adoption of a single currency, and the mediation of several conflicts.Â
The bloc’s motto is “ECOWAS of the people”, reflecting its aspiration to serve the interests and aspirations of its 400 million citizens. The bloc’s future depends on the commitment and cooperation of its member states, and the support and solidarity of its partners.
Source: ReutersÂ
