West African Nations Withdraw from ECOWAS, Prompting Calls for Dialogue

Three West African countries, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, have left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a move likened to "Brexit," following a series of military coups and political instability. The decision has led to a regional crisis, with the countries facing sanctions and diplomatic pressure from ECOWAS, France, and the US. The split has raised concerns about the economic impact on the region and has sparked scrutiny of Nigeria's leadership within the bloc. The departure also reflects a shift in alliances, with the military regimes forming closer ties with Russia, while facing challenges in containing insecurity and maintaining economic stability.