Juntas Exiting West Africa Regional Bloc Raises Instability Risk

West Africa bloc confirm withdrawal of junta-led Sahel states
Three states’s exit of Ecowas to impact trade, financial flows

Traditional Malian hunters, known as Donso, parade during a gathering to celebrate the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States in Kurukanfuga, Mali, on January 28. — Traditional Malian hunters, known as Donso, parade during a gathering to celebrate the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States in Kurukanfuga, Mali, on January 28.
Photographer: Gousno/AFP/Getty Images

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By Katarina Hoije and Ruth Olurounbi

January 29, 2025 at 5:48 PM UTC

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The exit of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from West Africa’s economic bloc has raised concerns about regional stability and could hamper trade and finance.

The three nations, all under military-rule, effectively parted with the Economic Community of West African States on Wednesday, with the bloc stressing that it was open to dialog.