West African Nations Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Withdraw from ECOWAS

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing the organization's failure to assist them in combating terrorism and insecurity. The three countries, currently led by military juntas, were founding members of ECOWAS but have been suspended following coups. Tensions between the juntas and ECOWAS have escalated, with the countries forming their own Alliance of Sahel States. ECOWAS expressed commitment to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse and demanded a transition toward civilian rule in the coup-hit nations.