Thousands Rally In Burkina Faso, Niger To Cheer ECOWAS Exit

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The Economic Community of West African States’ withdrawal, which is scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, was supported by thousands of demonstrators in Niger and Burkinabe on Tuesday.

The region has been fracturing as a result of their imminent departure from the bloc, along with Mali, and the ECOWAS grouping has an uncertain future ahead.

The three junta-led countries formally notified ECOWAS of their plan for an “immediate” withdrawal in January 2024, citing the organisation’s excessive dependence on France in particular.

On January 28, 2025, traditional dancers perform at a gathering in Niamey to celebrate Mali, Niger, and Burkinabe’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) (Photo by Boureima Hama/AFP)

The three juntas now favor partnerships with nations like Russia, Turkey, and Iran, which has Paris as their common enemy.

However, ECOWAS required one year’s notice for the departure to be effective — that deadline falls on Wednesday.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a separate confederation that the three Sahelian nations have formed, has joined forces.

Before heading to the nearby national assembly, thousands of protesters led by members of the military regime gathered in a square in the capital of Niger.

On January 28, 2025, people in Niamey hold a sign in support of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) during a gathering to celebrate Mali, Niger, and Burkinabe’s accession to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in support of the group. Photo by Boureima Hama / AFP)

They chanted slogans that insulted Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, and other regional leaders from Benin, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast, countries where Niger has strained relations.

“On January 28, 2024 we announced our exit from ECOWAS with immediate effect. Many thought it was a joke, that we were going to go back on our decision”, said Ibro Amadou Bacharou, private chief of staff of Niger’s junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani.

“This is ending today, there is nothing left between ECOWAS and us”, he said.

In Ouagadougou’s Nation square, thousands of people gathered, including Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo and other government officials.

“Long live AES, down with ECOWAS”, a banner read. Another said: “Goodbye hand-tied ECOWAS, long live free AES”.