At a summit held on Sunday in Abuja, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced a six-month extension for the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their scheduled exit from the organization at the end of January 2025.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions between ECOWAS and these nations, which have been under military rule for several years.
Transition Extended Until July 2025
During his opening remarks, Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that while the three countries are set to officially leave the organization on January 29, 2025, they will have a “transition period” extending to July 29, 2025.
This extension is aimed at keeping “the doors of ECOWAS open” during this time, allowing the military regimes to reconsider their decision to withdraw.
Under ECOWAS rules, the countries will lose membership status after January 29 but retain the option for future reintegration.
Military Leaders Stand Firm on Withdrawal
Before the summit, the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger reaffirmed their commitment to an “irreversible” departure from ECOWAS, accusing the organization of serving as a tool for France.
This claim underscores the strained relations between the West African bloc and these nations, which view the organization’s actions as undermining their sovereignty.
Despite this stance, ECOWAS has emphasized ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain ties.
Mediation Efforts Persist
Efforts to mediate the growing divide have been ongoing.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, acting as a mediator between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), attended the Abuja summit.
He recently reported “progress” in negotiations, suggesting there is no need for a complete severance of ties given the region’s precarious security situation.
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé has also played a mediating role in recent months.
ECOWAS extended the mandates of both mediators until the end of the transition period to facilitate dialogue and potentially reintegrate the three nations into the bloc.
Roots of the Crisis: Successive Coups
The breakdown in relations followed a July 2023 coup in Niger, marking the sixth coup in West Africa in three years.
Mali and Burkina Faso had previously experienced two military takeovers each, while Guinea faced one.
These events fueled growing distrust of ECOWAS, which has historically imposed sanctions and threatened military intervention to restore constitutional order.
While sanctions on Niger have since been lifted, ECOWAS remains committed to preventing further coups and restoring regional stability.
However, the departure of these three nations poses significant challenges, leaving the organization grappling with an increasingly fragmented political landscape.
With the Sahel region plagued by insecurity, armed groups, and geopolitical tensions, ECOWAS continues to push for peaceful solutions.
However, rebuilding trust with the military-led governments appears to be an uphill battle.
