How will the ECOWAS withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger impact the life of citizens?

Over the weekend, the military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger made a significant announcement: their withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS. In a joint statement, the leaders of these Sahel nations declared their departure from the Economic Community of West African States as a “sovereign decision” that would be implemented “without delay.”

The three military regimes have experienced strained relations with ECOWAS since the coups in Niger in July of 2023, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020. This resulted in their suspension from the bloc with Niger and Mali facing crucial sanctions.

Now, the big question is how will citizens left in these regimes secure food and sustain themselves, especially through cross-border trade after this drastic decision from their ‘leaders’?

The facts

The decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent shockwaves across the region, raising concerns about the fate of citizens and the stability of the sub-Saharan landscape. As these nations take steps towards disengagement from the regional bloc, questions abound regarding the implications for their populations.

ECOWAS was founded in 1975 and has long been hailed as a beacon of regional cooperation, fostering economic integration, political stability, and social progress among its member states. The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger represents a significant setback to these collective aspirations, signalling a fracture in the unity that has underpinned the region’s development agenda.

The arguments

One of the immediate concerns following the withdrawal announcement is the potential impact on cross-border trade, investment, and mobility. ECOWAS has played a significant role in ensuring the free movement of goods, services, and people within the region as well as fostering economic growth and development.

The absence of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from this framework could disrupt supply chains, block investment flows, and impede the movement of citizens, aggravating socio-economic challenges.

Moreover, the withdrawal raises questions about the effectiveness of regional mechanisms in addressing shared security threats and conflicts. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are all grappling with complex security crises, including terrorism, insurgency, and inter-communal violence.

ECOWAS has been instrumental in coordinating regional responses to these challenges, deploying peacekeeping missions and mediating conflicts. The departure of these nations weakens the collective resolve to confront security threats, potentially leaving citizens more vulnerable to destabilisation.

The fate of citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger hangs in the balance as their governments navigate the implications of withdrawal. While proponents argue that disengagement could grant greater autonomy and sovereignty, others fear it may isolate these nations and undermine their ability to address transnational challenges effectively.

One area of particular concern is the impact on regional cooperation initiatives, such as joint development projects, infrastructure investments, and capacity-building programmes.

ECOWAS has played a major role in fostering collaboration in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty. The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger threatens to disrupt these gains and create new barriers to progress.

Furthermore, the political consequences of the pullout cannot be overlooked. ECOWAS has served as a forum for dialogue, consensus-building, and conflict resolution among member states, promoting democratic governance and respect for human rights.

The exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from this forum raises concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the consolidation of power in the hands of autocratic regimes.

In response to these challenges, there have been calls for efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and dialogue.

Civil society organisations, regional partners, and international stakeholders have emphasised the importance of inclusive governance, dialogue, and diplomacy in addressing the underlying grievances driving withdrawal decisions.

As Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger start a new chapter outside of ECOWAS, the destiny of their citizens remains uncertain.

While withdrawal may offer short-term gains in terms of sovereignty and autonomy, the long-term implications for regional stability, economic development, and human security seem evident.