Former diplomats on Thursday warned that the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States could undermine regional stability, potentially escalating insurgency and extremism in the Sahel.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Christopher Musa, on Wednesday charged Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, and Mali to rescind their decision to quit the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger on Wednesday formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc. The military-led governments in the three West African nations decided to withdraw from the bloc, and formed their own security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States, in September 2023.

The Sahel countries announced their exit plans in 2024 after they accused the body of being influenced by former colonial powers. The military governments formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and announced plans to create a joint military force of 5,

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso – have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The regional bloc disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday. This brings to an end a year-long attempt by ECOWAS to convince the countries to reconsider leaving the bloc.

The passport, set to be available from January 29, is part of their new alliance, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). The three countries, all led by military governments, say the passport will replace the ECOWAS passport.