Nigeria Criticizes States Departing from ECOWAS Regional Bloc

Nigeria has criticized Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger for their decision to leave the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). This is the first public comment from the chair of the organization since the three countries announced their departure. The nations were already suspended from Ecowas due to recent coups, and their military rulers have strengthened ties with Russia while distancing themselves from France. In September, they formed a mutual defense pact called the Alliance of Sahel States, with the goal of restoring security before organizing elections. They accuse Ecowas of being influenced by external powers and failing to address the jihadist violence in their countries. Reports from Niger indicate that 22 people were killed in a suspected jihadist attack near the Mali border. This withdrawal will have a significant impact as Ecowas guarantees visa-free travel and the right to settle and work in member countries. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger were founding members of Ecowas, which was established almost 50 years ago. Tensions between the three countries and Ecowas have been high following the coups in Niger in July 2022, Burkina Faso in 2020, and Mali in 2020. Ecowas has called for the return of civilian rule in all three nations. Nigeria's foreign ministry accused the departing countries of acting in bad faith and criticized their military leaders. The ministry stated that unelected leaders are denying their people the right to make choices regarding freedom of movement, trade, and leadership. Nigeria, as the largest member of Ecowas and Niger's main economic partner, expressed its willingness to engage with the three countries. Last week, Burkina Faso received 25,000 tonnes of free wheat from Russia, which reopened its embassy there in December. Russia has been forging new alliances in Africa and other regions as it faces criticism from Western nations for its actions in Ukraine. However, Russia is just one of many major players seeking political and economic influence in Africa, including China, India, Turkey, Gulf states, South Korea, Western nations, and Japan.