ECOWAS Faces Uncertainty as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali Exit

The withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from ECOWAS takes effect this week, leaving the bloc’s future in doubt. The nations, now part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), accuse ECOWAS of unjust sanctions and inadequate support against jihadist violence. The exit weakens ECOWAS’s influence in addressing regional crises. AES plans include a unified passport and a 5,000-member military force. Meanwhile, countries like Togo and Ghana are seeking closer ties with the AES, prompting calls for ECOWAS reform to focus on economic priorities and security cooperation amidst growing jihadist threats.