In response, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their exit last January and accused ECOWAS of failing to safeguard member states and of aligning too closely with foreign powers.

Junta-led countries Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso officially left West Africa's main political and trade group ECOWAS on Wednesday after more than a year of diplomatic tensions. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have now formed their own confederation,

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to still recognise Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger despite the withdrawal of the three countries from the West African regional body which took effect today (Thursday, January 29, 2025).