Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Withdraw from ECOWAS, Form Alliance of Sahel States

The move, in response to heavy ECOWAS sanctions, could boost Mali's economy but raises concerns about regional stability and economic isolation.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have decided to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a move expected to boost Mali's economy by 21 billion CFA francs.
The decision has raised concerns about potential economic isolation, increased trade-related costs, and impacts on regional stability and security cooperation.
The withdrawal is seen as a response to heavy sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on the three countries following military coups.
The three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to fight jihadist groups, which could evolve into an economic and diplomatic alliance.
There are discussions about the countries leaving the common currency of West Africa, Franc CFA, considered by many as a negative legacy of colonialism.