West African Nations Withdraw from ECOWAS, Signaling Regional Shift

Mali and Burkina Faso have formally notified the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of their intention to withdraw from the regional bloc, with Niger expected to follow suit. The military regimes in these countries have accused ECOWAS of threatening their sovereignty, leading to their decision to withdraw. ECOWAS, which has imposed sanctions on the three countries following military coups, is awaiting formal notification and stated that withdrawal cannot take effect for at least a year. Nigeria, a regional powerhouse and host of ECOWAS, expressed sadness over the departure of the three countries and emphasized the importance of due process and commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all citizens of member states.