Nigeria has voiced its disappointment with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger for withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), marking the first response from the chair of the economic and political body since the announcement on Sunday.
The three nations were already suspended from Ecowas following recent coups, with their military leaders shifting away from France and bolstering ties with Russia. They justified their withdrawal by emphasizing the need to restore security before organizing elections and formed a mutual defense pact called the Alliance of Sahel States in September.
Citing external influences and failure to address jihadist violence, they criticized Ecowas. Reports from Niger detailed a suspected jihadist attack near Mali’s border, resulting in 22 deaths.
The departure will impact significantly as Ecowas guarantees visa-free travel and settlement rights among member countries. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger were founding members nearly 50 years ago.
Tensions between the three nations and Ecowas escalated following coups in Niger (July), Burkina Faso (2022), and Mali (2020). Ecowas urged a return to civilian rule.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry accused the departing countries of acting in bad faith and criticized their military leaders for denying their people fundamental rights.
Despite the rift, Nigeria remains open to engagement with the three nations. Burkina Faso recently received 25,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia, signaling renewed diplomatic ties since the Soviet Union’s dissolution. Russia’s pursuit of new alliances, especially amid conflict with Ukraine, reflects a broader trend of global powers seeking influence in Africa alongside China, India, and others.
