Breaking: Burkina, Mali, Niger Shockingly Pull Out of ECOWAS - Shifting Regional Dynamics!

COMMUNIQUE: ECOWAS Clarifies Reports of Possible Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger

Abuja, 28 January 2024 - The ECOWAS Commission has issued a clarification in response to recent statements aired on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger, which indicated the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ECOWAS Commission states that it has not yet received any official notification from these member states regarding their intention to withdraw from the Community.

The ECOWAS Commission, in accordance with the directive of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been diligently engaged with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to facilitate the restoration of constitutional order in these countries. It reaffirms that these nations hold significant importance as members of the Community, and the Authority remains committed to pursuing a negotiated solution to the ongoing political impasse.

Amidst these developments, the ECOWAS Commission maintains a proactive stance and continues to closely monitor the situation. As the situation evolves, the Commission pledges to provide further updates and pronouncements to keep the public informed.

The ECOWAS Commission reinforces its commitment to regional stability, cooperation, and the principles enshrined in the ECOWAS Treaty. The organization firmly believes in the power of dialogue and peaceful resolutions in addressing any challenges faced by member states.

The Commission urges all parties involved to prioritize dialogue, engage in constructive discussions, and work towards fostering unity, stability, and sustainable development within the region. It further calls upon the international community to support these efforts and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of ECOWAS member countries.
the ECOWAS Commission assures the public and the international community that it remains actively engaged in seeking a harmonious resolution to the ongoing political tensions. ECOWAS and its member states, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, are united in their determination to uphold democratic principles and promote the welfare and prosperity of the West African region.

A communiqué is a formal written statement or announcement issued by an organization or governing body. In this case, the communiqué is from the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The purpose of this communiqué is to address and respond to a statement that was broadcasted on the national television of Mali and Niger, announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.

The ECOWAS Commission begins by acknowledging the statement made by the national television channels of Mali and Niger regarding the withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS. However, the Commission notes that it has not yet received any direct formal notification from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger about their intention to withdraw from the community. This implies that the announcement made on national television is not considered an official declaration.

As directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, the ECOWAS Commission has been actively engaged in working with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to restore constitutional order in these countries. Despite the announcement of withdrawal, the Commission emphasizes that these three countries remain important members of the ECOWAS community. The Authority reiterates its commitment to finding a negotiated solution to the ongoing political impasse within the affected nations.

Regarding the current situation, the ECOWAS Commission assures that it is closely monitoring the developments and remains actively involved in addressing the issue. The Commission announces that it will release further statements and pronouncements in line with the evolving situation. This indicates that the ECOWAS Commission is committed to keeping all stakeholders informed and updated as significant events unfold.

The communiqué is concluded with a date and location stamp, signifying that it was issued in Abuja on January 28, 2024. This provides the necessary context for the timing and origin of the communiqué.

For further updates and official statements, please visit the ECOWAS Commission website at For media inquiries, please contact:

ECOWAS Commission
Department of Communication
Email: communication@ecowas.int
Phone: +234 705 346 6857