The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) on Wednesday announced the formal exit of junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the bloc following their withdrawal last year.

Three countries under military rule have officially left West African regional bloc Ecowas, after more than a year of diplomatic tensions. The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is a huge blow to Ecowas,

Following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) effective Wednesday, January 29, 2025, citizens, goods and services from the three former member-states are to continue to be treated according to ECOWAS protocols and policies.

Danso, security and international relations expert, says the exit of three junta-led states from the West Africa bloc would undermine the integration of the region. The former Dean and Director of Academic Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College said the formal exit of Niger,

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have officially left West Africa’s main political and trade group ECOWAS after more than a year of diplomatic tension.

Foreign Minister Tuggar has said the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger from ECOWAS will bring about far-reaching consequences

Ghana 39;s President, John Dramani Mahama is emerging as a potential unifying figure for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), according to the 2025 Crystal Ball Projections by AB David Africa .

Earlier this month, soldiers swooped by helicopter into a vast mining complex in western Mali and made away with three tonnes of gold -- all done on the orders of the military government.

Junta-led Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso officially quit West African bloc after more than a year of diplomatic tensions

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.

The imminent departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks a pivotal moment in West Africa’s political and economic landscape.