Historic split rocks West African Economic Bloc as three nations exit

West Africa’s political landscape shifted dramatically Wednesday as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso officially walked away from ECOWAS, marking the first exodus in the bloc’s nearly 50-year history. The move sent shockwaves through a region already grappling with political instability and security challenges.

ECOWAS, long considered West Africa’s premier political and economic powerhouse, now faces its biggest test since its 1975 founding. The departing nations, united under their newly-formed Alliance of Sahel States, have effectively redrawn the region’s political map.

Behind this unprecedented split lies a complex web of military coups, regional tensions, and shifting international alliances. After seizing power through coups – Mali in 2020, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger last July – these nations bristled under ECOWAS sanctions and pressure to restore civilian rule.

Instead of bending to regional demands, the three nations charted a different course, expelling French forces and embracing Russian support in their fight against jihadist insurgencies. Yet, ECOWAS isn’t burning bridges – the bloc is keeping its doors open, allowing continued use of ECOWAS passports and maintaining trade privileges.

Regional analysts worry this split could undermine democracy-building efforts and further destabilize an already fragile region. For many West Africans, it’s a stark reminder of how far their dream of regional unity has unraveled.