Potential Disintegration Looms as West African Bloc Warns of Risk if Junta-Led States Depart

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has cautioned that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are at risk of disintegration and escalating insecurity following their decision to sign a confederation treaty with the Alliance of Sahel States. The treaty, executed on Saturday, underscores the trio’s pledge to restore democratic governance.

Omar Touray, the president of the ECOWAS commission, emphasized the potential jeopardy to the freedom of movement and a unified market of 400 million individuals should these three nations depart. Moreover, he cautioned that financing for economic initiatives surpassing $500 million in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger might face suspension or cessation.

Furthermore, Touray alerted that the exit of these three countries could substantially impact security collaboration, specifically concerning intelligence exchange and engagement in the battle against terrorism. The Alliance of Sahel States, which assumed power in the aforementioned states during 2020-2023, has cut off military and diplomatic connections with local partners and Western nations.