The decision of these three Sahel nations to depart from the group was announced by their military regimes, and ECOWAS has responded, expressing its willingness to seek a diplomatic resolution.

The leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger officially declared their exit from ECOWAS on Sunday, emphasizing it as a “sovereign decision” that takes effect “without delay.”

These nations, grappling with challenges such as jihadist violence and poverty, have experienced strained relations with ECOWAS due to a series of coups – Niger in July of last year, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020.

ECOWAS in a statement released on X on Sunday wrote, “The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.

“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community.

“The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order.

“Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.

“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves”