EXIT OF THE TRIUMVIRATE: The Impact and implications on the ECOWAS

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Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have sent Ecowas, west Africa’s main political union of 15 countries, a formal notice of their withdrawal from the bloc. The three countries are governed by military rulers who have overthrown democratically elected leaders since 2021.
Africanvoice News investigates the impact and implications of the withdrawal.
The three countries have given three main reasons.
First is what they call the “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible sanctions” imposed on them for truncating their democracies.
Second is the failure of Ecowas to assist them in their “existential fight against terrorism and insecurity”.
The juntas have also argued that Ecowas has deviated from the founding principles of the organisation and is now controlled by foreign powers.
In 2001, Ecowas adopted a protocol on democracy and good governance which included a mechanism for unconstitutional changes of government. Article 1a of the protocol maintains a “zero tolerance for power obtained or maintained by unconstitutional means Ecowas cited this clause as its reason for suspending the three countries and for imposing sanctions against them.
Ecowas has made it clear that it won’t work with the regimes. Its statements make it clear that it has taken a strong stance because it wishes to deter military coups in other countries within the bloc.
The regional bloc is also clearly frustrated at the lack of interest the three countries have shown in returning to democratic rule. It has asked for a clear and definite transition timetable, especially for Mali and Burkina Faso.
What impact will the withdrawal have on Ecowas?
The main impact will be on trade and economic development. Ecowas is primarily an economic community and the loss of any member will affect trade and economic development.
The three countries collectively account for 8% of the US$761 billion Ecowas gross domestic product (GDP). In 2022, the total trade volume from the Ecowas region totalled US$277.22 billion.
The concern is that the exit of these countries could affect the flow of goods and services in the bloc.
Leaving the bloc could have other knock-on effects too:
The economic collapse of the countries. These countries have strategic importance, especially in food security. Niger is a key source of onions while Burkina Faso exports tomatoes to the sub-region.
This would lead to an exodus of citizens to other Ecowas countries, further threatening the stability of the bloc.
Concerns that the three countries will enter into bilateral relationships with countries that might not be favourable to other Ecowas countries. For example, there are already concerns about Niger’s alliance with Russia after it severed ties with France.
spread to other countries in the bloc and beyond.
Ecowas leaders have indicated that they are willing to have a dialogue with the three countries. I think Ecowas granting some concessions to prevent them from exiting would be in the interest of the bloc and all the citizens of Ecowas countries.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established on May 28, 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos in Nigeria. ECOWAS was created with the aim of promoting economic integration and cooperation among its member states in West Africa. Here is a brief history of ECOWAS:

  1. Formation: The idea of regional cooperation in West Africa dates back to the early 1970s when the concept of a sub-regional economic community was proposed. The Treaty of Lagos officially established ECOWAS with 16 founding member states.
  2. Objectives: ECOWAS was formed with the primary objectives of promoting economic integration, fostering cooperation in various sectors such as trade, agriculture, industry, transport, and telecommunications, and enhancing regional peace and security.
  3. Expansion: Over the years, ECOWAS has grown both in membership and scope. It has expanded to include 15 ECOWAS member states, with a focus on promoting integration, development, and stability in the region.
  4. Achievements: ECOWAS has made significant progress in implementing various programs and initiatives to enhance regional cooperation. This includes the establishment of a common market, a single currency (ECO), and efforts to address political and security challenges in the region.
  5. Peacekeeping: ECOWAS has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in West Africa, including mediation in conflicts and supporting peacebuilding initiatives. ECOWAS has a regional peacekeeping force known as the ECOWAS Standby Force.
  6. Challenges: ECOWAS faces challenges in achieving its full potential, including issues related to insecurity, political instability, economic disparities, and the need for greater integration and cooperation among member states.

Overall, ECOWAS has played a significant role in promoting regional integration, economic development, and peace in West Africa since its establishment in 1975.

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