Bloc says Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger remain its 'important members'

The Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, said on Sunday that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger will remain "its important members", in response to a joint statement announced by the three countries of their immediate withdrawal from the bloc.

ECOWAS has yet to formally receive the withdrawal notice from the three countries, the regional economic bloc said, reiterating that it remained committed to restoring constitutional rule in the three West African countries.

Earlier on Sunday, the military leaders in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which are under suspension from ECOWAS, said in a joint statement that it was their sovereign decision to leave ECOWAS without delay.

The joint statement, which was read out on state broadcasters in the three countries, claimed that ECOWAS has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

It said ECOWAS is under the influence of foreign powers and has failed to help member states tackle the extremist violence in their countries. It also accused ECOWAS of imposing sanctions on the three countries.

The three countries have been battling extremist violence and relations soured with ECOWAS after military coups took place in Niger in July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020.

In a quick rejoinder, ECOWAS said the three countries remain essential members of the community, and that the bloc is working with them to restore constitutional rule in the countries.

"The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order. Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali remain important members of the Community, and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse," it said.

"The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves."

Formed in 1975 to promote economic integration among member states and acting as one of West Africa's top political and regional authorities, the 15-nation bloc of ECOWAS has struggled in recent years to reverse rampant coups in the region, where citizens have complained they are not benefiting from rich natural resources.

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have also cut military ties with France, their former colonial power. France once had a strong presence across the Sahel, but announced the withdrawal of its troops from the three countries after the coups.

Military leaders in the countries have said they would try to contain insurgencies and restore security before organizing elections.