The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said that three of its members, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, have not yet issued a formal notification of withdrawal from the regional bloc.
The Commission said in a statement on Sunday that it has not received any formal notification from the three countries, which are currently under military rule following coups.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to restoring constitutional order and democracy in the affected countries, and called for dialogue and negotiation to resolve the political crisis.
ECOWAS said it remains open to cooperation and collaboration with the transitional authorities in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, as well as other regional and international partners, to address the security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel region.
The statement came after the three countries announced on state television earlier on Sunday that they have decided to leave ECOWAS “immediately and without delay”, accusing the bloc of imposing “inhumane” sanctions and betraying its founding principles and pan-Africanism.
The three countries also claimed that ECOWAS has failed to assist them in their fight against terrorism and insecurity.
ECOWAS, which was formed in 1975 to promote economic integration and political stability in West Africa, has 15 member states.
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The bloc has suspended the participation of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger following the coups that toppled their elected governments in 2020 and 2023.
ECOWAS has also imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions on the junta-led countries, and demanded the restoration of civilian rule and the holding of free and fair elections.
