A civil society organisation, the Conference of Civil Societies and Centre for Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), has expressed concern over the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS).
The group said that the withdrawal carries profound security, economic and humanitarian implications for the people of West Africa subregion. CIMICO added that the action will affect intelligence sharing, regional counterterrorism efforts and especially coordinated security initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Group coordinator, Dr Adams Otakwu, while addressing press conference in Abuja on Saturday, said that the departure of the three countries, in one way or the other, may contribute to governance challenges, potentially creating unaccountable regimes and further setbacks to democratic stability.
“We express deep concern over the formal withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision carries profound security, economic and humanitarian implications for the people of the region.
“The three countries are frontline states in the fight against terrorism and their withdrawal disrupts intelligence sharing, regional counterterrorism efforts and coordinated security initiatives such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
“A fragmented security architecture risks exposing these states and the wider West African region to heightened threats of violent extremism, migrant trade and political disorder.
“Moreover, the departure may contribute to governance challenges, potentially creating unaccountable regimes and further setbacks to democratic stability. The economic repercussions of this withdrawal cannot be overlooked. As ECOWAS members, these countries benefited from a harmonized trade system, including the Common External Tariff and preferential access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Their exit introduces economic uncertainty, with potential increases in tariffs, inflation, and disruptions to cross-border trade and financial services. Additionally, their standing in the global financial system could be negatively impacted, given their status on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Without ECOWAS membership, they risk exclusion from critical financial regulatory frameworks, affecting investment inflows, economic stability, and long-term development prospects.
“The withdrawal of these three nations threatens ongoing regional assistance programs and could exacerbate poverty and human suffering. Additionally, there is a risk of hostility towards Malian and Burkinabé migrants in neighboring countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, further escalating social tensions. At a time when regional solidarity is needed most, disengagement from ECOWAS places the lives and well-being of millions at risk.
“We urge ECOWAS and the leadership of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to pursue continued dialogue in the spirit of regional integration, peace, security, good governance, and inclusive development. We recall past reconciliation efforts, including the Peace and Reconciliation Forum in Lomé and interventions by religious leaders, as vital precedents that should be built upon.”
Otakwu, however called on regional leaders to ensure that their decisions reflect the collective aspirations of the people, while calling on the Sahelian states to re-establish accountable governance structures that will restore trust and cooperation within the region.
Corroborating Otakwu’s submission, the Executive Director of Community Watch Initiative (CWI), David Acheme, said the departure clearly disrupts established mechanisms for security coordination, joint military initiatives and intelligence exchange.
“We know that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been central to counterterrorism operations and their departure disrupts established mechanisms for security coordination, joint military initiatives, and intelligence exchange.
“Without a unified approach, the region faces heightened exposure to insurgent activities, illicit cross-border movements, and governance breakdowns. This shift also threatens institutional accountability, potentially fostering unchecked rule and further complicating efforts to uphold democratic principles across West Africa,” Acheme said.
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