On January 29, 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a decision that has reshaped the political landscape of West Africa. This move follows a series of military coups in these nations over the past five years, leading to strained relations with the regional bloc.

Formation of the Alliance of Sahel States

In response to their departure from ECOWAS, the three countries established the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2024. This security partnership aims to address the escalating extremist violence in the Sahel region. The alliance has announced the deployment of a joint force comprising 5,000 personnel, equipped with aerial, terrestrial, and intelligence resources, to combat insurgent activities. This initiative underscores a collective resolve to tackle security challenges independently of ECOWAS frameworks.

ECOWAS’s Response and Regional Implications

Despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS has maintained an open stance, encouraging member states to continue recognizing the national passports of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and to uphold diplomatic relations. The bloc had previously granted a six-month grace period for these nations to reconsider their decision, which concluded without a reversal. This development poses significant challenges for ECOWAS’s mandate to promote regional integration, economic cooperation, and democratic governance.

Broader Geopolitical Reflections

The exit of these three nations from ECOWAS signifies a broader geopolitical shift in West Africa. Analysts suggest that this move reflects a desire among the Sahelian states to assert greater autonomy and address security concerns through localized solutions. However, this fragmentation raises concerns about the future of regional cohesion, the effectiveness of collective security mechanisms, and the potential for increased external influence in the region’s affairs.

The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS represents a significant reconfiguration of West Africa’s political landscape. The formation of the Alliance of Sahel States highlights a shift towards regional self-reliance in security matters, while also presenting challenges to the established order of regional cooperation and integration.