West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, has established a timeline for the departure of three coup-affected nations, marking a turning point in the organization’s nearly 50-year history. Following prolonged mediation efforts, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are set to formally exit the bloc between January 29 and July 29, 2025.
The announcement, made by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during a summit in Abuja, Nigeria, reflects the bloc’s struggle to maintain unity amidst mounting challenges. Touray described the development as “disheartening” but commended envoys for their efforts to mediate the crisis.
Military Governments Reject ECOWAS
The military regimes in the three nations have firmly resisted calls to reconsider their exit. In January, they announced plans to leave ECOWAS, citing dissatisfaction with sanctions and the bloc’s perceived failure to address security issues. The juntas have since proposed issuing their own travel documents and forming a separate alliance.
Despite ECOWAS’ attempts to preserve cohesion, the one-year notice period for their withdrawal is expected to proceed as scheduled. Touray acknowledged the complexities of such a move, noting that exiting agreements on free trade and the movement of people could result in the loss of key benefits, including visa-free travel.
Regional Implications
While ECOWAS members enjoy significant advantages, such as unhindered mobility, the departure of the three nations raises concerns about the future of these privileges. A joint statement from the departing states affirmed their commitment to maintaining visa-free access for other West Africans but warned they may deny entry to “inadmissible” individuals.
Analysts predict the split could deepen regional divisions. Mucahid Durmaz, a senior analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, cautioned that ECOWAS’ inconsistent responses to coups have undermined its credibility. Acknowledging the juntas as legitimate authorities would conflict with the bloc’s democratic principles, while failing to adapt could drive further fragmentation.
Upholding Regional Stability
At the summit, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, underscored the need for collective action to safeguard regional stability. “We must focus on our core responsibility: protecting our citizens and fostering an environment for them to thrive,” Tinubu said.
Babacar Ndiaye, a senior fellow at Senegal’s Timbuktu Institute, described the crisis as ECOWAS’ most significant challenge to date. With reintegration unlikely, the bloc faces the difficult task of balancing its democratic ideals with the evolving political realities of the region.