] Supporters of Burkina Faso’s new junta hold Burkina Faso and Russian flags as they gather to protest against the arrival of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) delegation in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso October 4, 2022. REUTERS/Vincent Bado
In a significant move that marks a reversal of decades-long regional integration efforts, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced their decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision, made by the three junta-led countries, is expected to have profound implications for millions of people across the region, potentially disrupting trade and services flows valued at nearly $150 billion annually.
The withdrawal process, while subject to negotiations and potential delays, raises concerns regarding the fate of millions of nationals from these landlocked nations who have settled in neighboring states under ECOWAS’s visa-free travel and work provisions. Notably, Ivory Coast alone is home to over 5 million individuals from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Seidik Abba, president of the Paris-based CIRES think tank, highlighted the economic and political ramifications of the trio’s departure, particularly emphasizing the challenges faced by the affected populations. Niger, for instance, shares a significant border with Nigeria and conducts a substantial portion of its trade with its wealthier neighbor.
The decision to withdraw from ECOWAS comes amid a backdrop of instability in the region, characterized by a series of coups and ongoing efforts to combat Islamist militants. Furthermore, the growing influence of Russia in the region, exemplified by recent military agreements and deployments, adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.
While ECOWAS has responded to the wave of coups with sanctions and threats of force, the effectiveness of these measures has been called into question. Nigeria, as the current chair of ECOWAS, has expressed disappointment in the actions of the junta-led governments but remains open to dialogue.
Established in 1975, ECOWAS aimed to foster economic and political cooperation among its member states. Mucahid Durmaz, a senior West Africa analyst, anticipates potential disruptions in trade and movement within the region following the trio’s withdrawal.
Analysts have expressed concerns about the repercussions of the withdrawal, likening it to a self-imposed embargo with far-reaching consequences. While the process of leaving ECOWAS may take time, the possibility of significant population movements within the region looms large.
The decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger underscores broader challenges facing ECOWAS, including issues of governance, security, and external influence. As the region grapples with these complexities, the departure of these countries from ECOWAS is poised to have lasting and detrimental effects on regional stability and security efforts.
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