Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso jointly declared their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing alleged unjust sanctions post-coups and a departure from founding principles.
Concerns arise over economic and security impacts, given the significant trade flows and border relationships.
The three nations accuse ECOWAS of inadequately addressing jihadist threats and claim foreign influence.
Experts point to potential repercussions on peace efforts and the emergence of a new military alliance, while stakeholders express worries about ECOWAS becoming a battleground for global powers, particularly the USA and Russia.
