Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali Stand Firm on ECOWAS Withdrawal: A Closer Look

In a recent interview with the RTN news channel, Niger’s military junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, reaffirmed the decision of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The three Sahel countries announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc on January 28, citing a sovereign decision to leave the organization without delay.

According to General Tchiani, the decision to withdraw from ECOWAS was made to improve the lives of their citizens, as the bloc had cut off food and medicine supply, power, and frozen their funds.

He emphasized that the world is a global village, and their withdrawal from ECOWAS will not impact the world within the bloc.

In response to concerns about the consequences of the withdrawal on security, trade, and socio-economic activities, General Tchiani expressed confidence that their countries would continue to thrive outside of the bloc.

He said, “God will feed every human He created,” implying that they will find alternative means to sustain their economies.

General Tchiani also confirmed that the military regimes would not release former Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown by members of his presidential guard on July 26, 2023, and has been detained with his family since then.

He stated that releasing Bazoum would be akin to stabbing themselves in the stomach and would do harm to Nigeriens.

As the three countries remain firm in their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS, the future of the West African bloc and the relationships between these nations remains uncertain.

The international community will be watching closely to see how these events unfold and how they will impact regional cooperation and stability in West Africa.