ECOWAS Warns of Regional Disintegration of Sahel Countries

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed grave concerns about the potential disintegration and escalating insecurity in the region following the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to sign a confederation treaty and leave the bloc.

The newly formed Alliance of Sahel States, formalized by the treaty on Saturday, signals a clear intent by these three countries to break away from the 15-member ECOWAS, which has been persistently advocating for their return to democratic governance.

Omar Touray, The president of the ECOWAS commission Omar Touray, highlighted the significant benefits that the bloc offers, including the freedom of movement and a common market comprising 400 million people. He warned that these advantages are now at risk if Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger proceed with their withdrawal.

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Touray also indicated that economic projects valued at over $500 million, currently funded in these three countries, might be halted or suspended. He delivered this message at an ECOWAS summit held in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

The departure of these nations would deal a severe blow to regional security cooperation, particularly in terms of intelligence sharing and joint efforts in combating terrorism, Touray added.

ECOWAS leaders convened at the summit to deliberate on the ramifications of the Alliance of Sahel States’ treaty. The summit follows a series of coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from 2020 to 2023, which resulted in these countries severing military and diplomatic ties with their regional allies and Western nations.