Three West African countries, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have announced their decision to break away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with immediate effect.

These countries are currently led by militaries that seized power from civilian leaders.

“After 49 years, the valiant peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regretfully and with great disappointment observe that the (ECOWAS) organization has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism,” the countries said in a joint statement issued on Sunday, January 28, 2024.

The three countries were earlier suspended from ECOWAS following the coups and refusal to adhere to a directive from the regional body to return to civilian rule.