The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is holding a high-level meeting in Accra, Ghana, to deliberate on the formal withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc. The two-day session, which began on Tuesday, aims to clarify the modalities of withdrawal and examine the implications for ECOWAS institutions and operations within the three countries.
In a statement released on Tuesday, ECOWAS confirmed that member states will review the structure of engagement with the junta-led countries and finalize transitional policies that affect trade, residency, and regional cooperation.
“The session is being held to deliberate on the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc,” the statement read.
“Key items on the agenda include the modalities of the withdrawal process and the implications for ECOWAS Institutions and Agencies operating in the three countries.”
The three nations had officially exited ECOWAS earlier in the year, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s stance on military regimes and internal policies. In response, ECOWAS had initially maintained its free movement and trade agreements, pending further negotiations.
However, tensions have escalated since the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a new coalition formed by the withdrawing countries—imposed a 0.5% import duty on goods from ECOWAS member states. The levy, which excludes humanitarian aid, directly contradicts ECOWAS’s goal of seamless regional trade.
The AES maintains that the new duty will generate funds to support its regional initiatives, signaling a shift away from ECOWAS integration principles.
As ECOWAS continues its two-day meeting, the outcome is expected to set a precedent for how the bloc manages future withdrawals and political realignments within the region.
