Mali and Burkina Faso Send Formal Notification of Withdrawal from ECOWAS
In a significant move, both Mali and Burkina Faso, which are currently led by military regimes, have officially notified the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of their withdrawal from the organization. According to official sources, the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed a copy of the letter to the AFP correspondent, while the official news agency of Burkina Faso simultaneously reported that the country had also submitted a formal notification to the ECOWAS, confirming the joint decision made by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to leave the sub-regional institution.
A Unified Decision
Although there has been no official statement from Niger at this time, the communication from Mali and Burkina Faso emphasizes the collective nature of this action by the three countries. The military regimes in power in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced on Sunday the immediate withdrawal of their respective countries from the ECOWAS, marking a significant rupture with potentially far-reaching practical consequences.
ECOWAS Awaits Formal Notification
The ECOWAS had previously stated that it was awaiting « formal and direct notification » of this decision. According to the ECOWAS regulations, this notification triggers a one-year period before the withdrawal takes effect.
Summary of the News
Mali and Burkina Faso, both under military leadership, have formally notified the ECOWAS of their withdrawal from the organization. While Niger has not made an official announcement as of yet, Mali and Burkina Faso have emphasized the collective nature of this decision. The military regimes in these countries have chosen to withdraw immediately, which could have significant practical implications. The ECOWAS is currently awaiting the formal notification, which will initiate a one-year process before the withdrawal becomes effective.
