Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The junta-led countries cited a "sovereign decision" to leave ECOWAS, alleging that the organization had strayed from its founding principles. This move adds complexity to the strained relations between the military regimes and ECOWAS, intensifying concerns about the impact on regional stability, trade relations, and the free movement of citizens. Military coups in Niger (July 2023), Burkina Faso (2022), and Mali (2020 and 2021) led to their suspension from ECOWAS. ECOWAS has consistently urged a return to democratic rule in these countries, imposing sanctions, including border closures and financial restrictions. The military regimes, facing Islamist insurgencies, accused ECOWAS of failing to support their fight against terrorism and insecurity. The military regimes criticized ECOWAS for failing to assist them in their "existential fight against terrorism and insecurity," citing the organization's alleged drift from its original purpose.

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