Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Why Mali, Burkina Faso And Niger Exit Ecowas

POSTED ON January 29, 2024 •   Uncategorized      BY Samuel O . Adeniyi

On January 28, 2024, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso sent shockwaves through West Africa by announcing their withdrawal from ECOWAS.

This decision, a culmination of simmering tensions and divergent viewpoints, has thrown the future of regional cooperation into uncertainty.

Unravelling this decision involves exploring ECOWAS's history, the grievances of withdrawing nations, and potential consequences in the intricate geopolitical landscape.

ECOWAS: A Dream of Unity, Tested by Reality

Established in 1975, ECOWAS aimed to create a unified economic bloc promoting integration, free trade, and peace across West Africa.

Initially, it enjoyed successes, fostering collaborative development projects and facilitating regional trade.

However, cracks began appearing in recent years, revealing underlying fault lines of political divergence, security challenges, and unequal economic benefits.

Why Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic Exit ECOWAS

The recent political and security upheavals in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso significantly influence the decision to withdraw.

All three countries experienced military coups in the past few years, raising concerns about democratic backsliding within the region.

ECOWAS responded by imposing sanctions and pressuring them to return to civilian rule.

Withdrawing nations claim an unwarranted intrusion, deepening resentment, and questioning the organization's commitment to non-interference in internal affairs.

Further fueling frustration was the perceived ineffectiveness of the G5 Sahel, a joint counter-terrorism force of which all three countries are founding members.

The G5 Sahel, supported by ECOWAS and international partners, has struggled to contain the escalating threat of violent extremist groups.

Accusing the force of favouring external actors, Mali and Burkina Faso sought alternative security partnerships with Russia, causing sanctions from ECOWAS.

Beyond Politics: Unraveling the Socioeconomic Threads

Political and security concerns take precedence, but one cannot separate the decision to withdraw from the region's persistent socioeconomic challenges.

Poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity plague all three countries, leading to widespread disgruntlement with the perceived failure of ECOWAS to address these issues effectively.

Critics argue that the organization's emphasis on regional integration hasn't benefited ordinary citizens, eroding confidence and fostering a desire for alternatives.

Internal Dynamics and the Power Play

The decision to withdraw also bears the stamp of domestic political realities in each country.

Leaders, under internal pressures, may see this move as a means to consolidate power, presenting themselves as nationalistic defenders against external interference.

This narrative resonates with sections of the population, potentially providing additional impetus for the break with ECOWAS.

An Uncertain Future: Challenges and Potential Pathways

The withdrawal throws the future of ECOWAS and regional cooperation into disarray.

Disruptions in economic ties may hinder trade and impede development efforts.

Security concerns could escalate, with the potential for instability spilling over into neighbouring countries. However, amidst the uncertainty, there are also glimmers of hope.

Dialogue and reconciliation efforts are ongoing, with all parties acknowledging the importance of maintaining some level of engagement.

There are possibilities for a mutually beneficial renegotiation of terms within ECOWAS, addressing the concerns of the withdrawing nations while upholding the organization's core principles.

Alternatively, new regional cooperation frameworks may emerge, tailored to the specific needs of different sub-regions within West Africa.

Mail, Niger, Burkina Faso's Exit: What ECOWAS Must Know

Understanding the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS demands a nuanced perspective, moving beyond simplistic narratives of defiance and separatism.

It is a story woven from threads of political discontent, security anxieties, socioeconomic grievances, and internal power dynamics.

Recognizing the complexities of this situation is crucial for navigating the path forward, both for the withdrawing nations and for the remaining members of ECOWAS.

Ultimately, the success of any future regional arrangement hinges on a renewed commitment to dialogue, inclusivity, and a genuine effort to address the concerns of all stakeholders.

READ ALSO
Eno enhances healthcare with N200m contribution to UUTH
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara February 16, 2025 0

In an effort to enhance healthcare services, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has co...

READ ALSO
Ododo Reorganizes the Tourism Board, Kogi Hotels
BY Ebiakuboere England December 3, 2024 0

KOGI- Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo has appointed former Kogi Hotels and Tourism Board Chai...

READ ALSO
Rivers Varsity Suspends Four Students For Assault
BY Benedicta Bassey June 16, 2024 0

The Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt has suspended four of its students con...

READ ALSO
French Embassy Unveils Waste Management Project Worth €753,000 in Varsities
BY Benedicta Bassey June 14, 2024 0

The French Embassy, via the Cooperation and Cultural Department, has launched a plastic waste manage...

READ ALSO
ATBU Enhances Research Capacity For Lecturers
BY Benedicta Bassey June 14, 2024 0

The management of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, has enhanced research capabilities...

READ ALSO
Russia Dismisses Claim of Recruiting Nigerian Students For Ukranian War
BY Benedicta Bassey June 13, 2024 0

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has debunked the claims of recruiting African students, particularly...

READ ALSO
Soludo Warns Tinubu Against Accepting Unsustainable Minimum Wage
BY Benedicta Bassey June 13, 2024 0

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo on Thursday warned President Bola Tinubu against approving &ld...

READ ALSO
Obi Cubana Lauds Burna Boy For Settling Patients' Hospital Bills
BY Ebiakuboere England June 12, 2024 0

Award-winning Nigerian music star Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy, has been praised by million...

OUR CHANNELS:

Man Remand for Environmental Offense as Lagos Intensifies Sanitation Enforcement
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 24, 2025 0

A collaborative enforcement team, made up of officials from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LA...


SNEPCo Urges Indigenous Firms to Enhance Skills for Future Opportunities
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 24, 2025 0

The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) has urged Nigerian firms to st...


Adebayo Open to Coalition with Obi, Dismisses Atiku's Influence in SDP
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 24, 2025 0

The 2023 presidential candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has indicate...


NNPCL Empowers 531 NYSC Members with Financial Support and Starter Packs
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 25, 2025 0

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited has provided financial assistance of N531,000 each to...


University of Lagos Addresses NELFund Loan Reimbursement Concerns
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 24, 2025 0

The University of Lagos has refuted online claims regarding the delay in the reimbursement of NELFun...


Nigerian Man Sentenced to 27 Months for $1 Million Insurance Fraud
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 24, 2025 0

A 37-year-old Nigerian named Henry Ezeonyido has been sentenced to 27 months in prison by a United S...


INEC Launches AI Division to Enhance Electoral Processes, Address Challenges
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 24, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sanctioned the establishme...


APC Governors Unite to Endorse President Tinubu as 2027 Consensus Candidate
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 24, 2025 0

Governors affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress have unanimously backed President Bol...


JUST IN: Tinubu Inaugurates New NNPC Board, Welcomes Fresh Leadership
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 24, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has officially inaugurated the board and management of the Ni...


JUST IN: Dangote refinery slashes petrol prices by N15 nationwide
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 24, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria — The Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently announced a reduction in the pump pri...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu