Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger: Ecovas leaves waves!

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger: Ecovas leaves waves!

Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Westafrika - Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger officially left the West African Economic Community (Ecowas) and thus took a significant step in their geopolitical orientation. The exit, which was decided a year ago, now comes into force and has an impact on around 73 million people who lose the internal market with freedom of movement and political cooperation. The military juntas of the three countries have increasingly perceived cooperation with Ecowas as tools for the former colonial powers, especially France. This announcement is based on reports of FOCUS .

The relationship between the states and Ecowas has been continuously stressed since the military coups in Mali (2021), Burkina Faso (2022) and Niger (2023). The new governments in these countries have decided to redesign their political and economic ties. France and other international actors now have to deal with the changed dynamics in the region, while Ecowas is shrinking more than half of its area and a twelfth of economic output.

rally and public mood

The decision to leave is perceived differently among the population of the affected states. Massive rallies took place in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, in which thousands of people cheered the step. The military governments are supported by the population by presenting the resignation from Ecowas as a step towards independence and self -determination. This is based on SF Examiner reported.

The conflict with Islamist terrorist militias in the region contributes to unrest. Tens of thousands of people have been killed since 2022. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the three states will continue to cooperate with other countries that are also threatened by violence. Especially in the densely populated border regions, there are economic problems, including possible tariffs and visa cuts for the citizens.

role of Russia and international relationships

One of the immediate consequences of exit is an increased partnership with Russia. The military juntas have already concluded agreements in areas such as military, agriculture and education. This could significantly change the geopolitical landscape, since Russian private armies, such as the Wagner Group, are active in the region. In contrast, France pulls its troops off after the new governments have requested such a measure. This withdrawal has far-reaching consequences, since France originally came to the region to combat radical-Islamist groups, so DW .

The French politician Hélène Conway-Mouret expressed at the Munich Security Conference that the withdrawal could have painful consequences. Germany, on the other hand, plans to stay present in the Sahel region to find solutions that come from the people on site. The Mauritan Minister of Defense emphasizes the importance of the Sahel zone as a geopolitical border of Europe, which indicates the increasing security challenges in the region.

The situation remains tense and unclear how economic and political relationships will develop in the region, while the security situation is still unstable.