In a joint communiqué issued on January 28, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The decision was made by the Heads of State of the three nations, citing dissatisfaction with ECOWAS's departure from its founding principles of brotherhood, solidarity, and Pan-Africanism.
The leaders expressed regret and disappointment over ECOWAS's failure to assist in the fight against terrorism and insecurity, as well as its imposition of what they deemed illegal and irresponsible sanctions. They asserted their sovereignty and responsibility to their populations by withdrawing from the organization.