Thousands Celebrate in Burkina Faso and Niger as Nations Officially Exit ECOWAS

Massive crowds in Burkina Faso and Niger took to the streets to celebrate their countries’ decision to withdraw from ECOWAS. Explore the reasons behind the exit and its regional implications.

On Tuesday, thousands gathered in Niger and Burkina Faso to show their support for the imminent withdrawal of their countries from the Economic Community of West African States, set to take effect on Wednesday.

Their impending exit from the bloc, along with Mali, has caused a rift in the region and left ECOWAS facing an uncertain future.

The three countries governed by juntas officially informed ECOWAS in January 2024 of their intention to withdraw “immediately,” pointing out the organization’s significant reliance on France as a primary reason.

Paris has emerged as a shared adversary for the three juntas, which now prefer alliances with countries like Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

However, ECOWAS required a year’s notice for the departure to take effect—this deadline is on Wednesday.

The three countries in the Sahel region have come together to establish a new confederation named the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

In the capital city of Niamey, Niger, thousands of individuals under the leadership of members from the military regime assembled in a square and then proceeded to march towards the national assembly nearby.

They chanted slogans expressing hostility toward French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as other regional leaders with whom Niger has strained relations, including those from Benin, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast.

“We announced our immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS on January 28, 2024. Many believed it was a joke and expected us to reverse our decision,” stated Ibro Amadou Bacharou, the private chief of staff for Niger’s junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani.

He stated, “This is concluding today; there is nothing remaining between ECOWAS and us.”

In Burkina Faso, a crowd comprising thousands of individuals, including Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo and other government officials, convened in Nation Square in Ouagadougou.

A banner proclaimed: “Hooray for AES, away with ECOWAS,” while another declared: “Farewell to constrained ECOWAS, welcome liberated AES.”

Some demonstrators also held flags representing the three Sahel countries or Russia.

“To break free from the chains of imperialism… this will not be achieved gently by a midwife’s hands, but rather with an axe,” Ouedraogo stated.

Rallies were anticipated in Mali as well.

The AES trio is also planning to release their own joint passport on Wednesday and has announced the establishment of a unified army, consisting of 5,000 members, to combat jihadism.