According to Reuters, on January 28, local time, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso jointly issued a statement announcing their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The claimed reason is that ECOWAS imposed "inhumane" sanctions on ECOWAS after it took over power. The Associated Press noted that the incident exacerbated the already tense political situation in West Africa.
Since the coups in Mali in 2021 and Burkina Faso in 2022, ECOWAS has imposed a series of sanctions on both countries, including suspensions**, travel bans and asset freezes. Both countries are currently in power from the transition after the military coup.
On July 26 last year, a military coup took place in Niger, and the commander of the Guards, Omar Ziani, was declared the "new leader". This was condemned by the leaders of most Western countries and ECOWAS member states. Against this backdrop, relations between Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are becoming increasingly close. In response to a possible ECOWAS military intervention in Niger, the two countries have warned that such actions would have "catastrophic consequences" for Niger and could destabilize the entire region.
In August last year, the three countries announced the establishment of a consultative mechanism and a joint secretariat to ensure that in the event of aggression or terrorist attacks against any country, the other two countries can provide effective assistance. Then, in September, Mali's transitional ** Goita posted on his personal social media account that he signed the relevant charter with the heads of state of Burkina Faso and Niger on the same day, agreeing to establish a coalition of Sahel states. The alliance aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination among the three countries to jointly address regional security challenges.
What is the Economic Community of West African States?
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional economic organization of 15 West African countries that aims to promote economic cooperation, social development, and political stability among member countries. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, Ecowas is one of the largest economic communities on the African continent. 
The member countries of ECOWAS include Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Cape Verde. These countries work together to promote economic growth, social development and political stability in the region.
One of the objectives of ECOWAS is to increase the level of economic development of the member countries by promoting ** and investment. The organization works to remove barriers, promote freedom, and establish a common market for smoother activities among member states. In addition, ecowas supports the economic growth of member countries by developing infrastructure, promoting agricultural development, and improving financial cooperation.
In addition to economic cooperation, Ecowas is committed to promoting social development and political stability. The organization aims to improve the living standards of the people of its member countries through educational, health and social welfare projects. In addition, ECOLWAS works to promote democratic governance, uphold human rights and resolve conflicts in the region.
ECWAS has made some progress in promoting economic cooperation and social development in the region, but the announcement of the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the organization could have a significant impact on the future of ECOWS. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso consider the ECOwas to impose "inhumane" sanctions on them. It is related to the domestic political and regional security situation of the three countries.
As one of the most important economic communities in the West African region, ECWAS plays an important role in promoting economic cooperation, social development and political stability among member countries. Niger,
In response to the possible ECOWAS military intervention by ECOWAS and Burkina Faso, Burkina Faso and Mali warned that the actions would have "catastrophic consequences" for Niger and could destabilize the entire region. We'll see.