In response, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their exit last January and accused ECOWAS of failing to safeguard member states and of aligning too closely with foreign powers.

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire - January 29, 2025 The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) confirmed this Wednesday the official departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional organization,

Following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, ECOWAS outlined four key measures to maintain regional cooperation and minimize disruptionsCitizens of the three nations can still travel visa-free within ECOWAS,