The West African Civil Society has urged the Economic Community of West of African States (ECOWAS) and the Leadership of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to pursue continued dialogue in the light of the withdrawal of the three Sahelian states from the regional bloc.Â
At a Press conference in Abuja today February 8, 2025, the Coordinator of the Conference of Civil Societies and Center for Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), Dr. Adams Otakwu, warned that the withdrawal of these three countries is a major humanitarian risk. “This decision threatens ongoing regional assistance programs and could exacerbate poverty and human suffering,” he stated
Moreover, the humanitarian implications of this withdrawal cannot be overstated. Mr. Johnson Okpe, Executive Director of People United for Sustainable Grass Roots Development, warned that “the withdrawal of these three nations raises significant humanitarian concerns. It could jeopardize ongoing assistance efforts by ECOWAS, potentially worsening poverty and human suffering.”
The humanitarian risks associated with this withdrawal are particularly acute in the Sahel region, where the population is heavily dependent on regional humanitarian assistance. Mr. Okpe emphasized the need for a coordinated response from regional partners to address the humanitarian challenges facing the region, saying, “Without a unified approach, the region will struggle to maintain humanitarian stability and integration.”
Furthermore, the withdrawal of these three countries from ECOWAS has sent a negative signal to other regional actors. As Mr. Acheme noted, “This shift also threatens institutional accountability, potentially fostering unchecked rule and further complicating efforts to uphold democratic principles across West Africa.” The humanitarian implications of this withdrawal are likely to have far-reaching consequences for regional humanitarian stability.
In response to the withdrawal, the leadership of ECOWAS has been urged to maintain diplomatic channels and continue dialogue with the Sahelian states. As Blessing Onjefu, Head of Mission of Impart Africa (IA), emphasized, “We encourage ECOWAS to keep diplomatic channels open, and call on the three Sahelian states to reconsider their stance, as regional integration serves the best interest of the people and citizens of west Africa.”
The humanitarian risks associated with this withdrawal are far-reaching and will require a sustained response from regional partners. Mr. Okpe emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address the humanitarian challenges facing the region, saying, “Regional humanitarian stability can only be guaranteed through the collective efforts of regional partners.”
As the region grapples with the consequences of this withdrawal, civil society leaders have called for urgent action to restore regional humanitarian stability and integration. With the well-being of millions at stake, it is now more than ever that regional leaders must act with a sense of urgency and purpose to address the humanitarian challenges facing the region.
The full text reads:
PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE CONFERENCE OF CIVIL SOCIETIES AND CENTRE FOR CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION (CIMICO) ON THE WITHDRAWAL OF MALI, BURKINA FASO, AND NIGER FROM ECOWAS
8th February, 2025
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.
Beyond security and economic concerns, the humanitarian impact of this withdrawal is worrisome. ECOWAS has been a critical driver of social interventions, infrastructure development, and livelihood support across its member states. 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. More than ever, regional leaders must ensure that their decisions reflect the collective aspirations of the people. We call upon the Sahelian states to re-establish accountable governance structures and work towards restoring trust and cooperation within the region.
As Civil Society, we acknowledge the posture of ECOWAS as the ECOWAS of People—a rule-based organization that thrives on established protocols, conventions, treaties and laws that have zero tolerance for unconstitutional seizure of power. At the same time, we understand the sentiment that influenced the decision of the three states. We therefore encourage ECOWAS to sustain its rapprochement efforts, ensuring that diplomatic channels remain open. Similarly, we appeal to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to reconsider their stance, recognizing that regional integration ultimately serves their citizens’ best interests. Now more than ever, West Africa must remain united in pursuit of a stable and secure future for all its citizens and people.
Adams Otakwu, Ph.D
Coordinator – Conference of Civil Societies and Center for Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO)
