Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from ECOWAS, completing a process that began in January 2024 after the bloc demanded Niger restore democratic rule.

The military-led governments accuse ECOWAS of serving French interests and have turned to Russia for support.

The three nations have formed their own security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States, amid ongoing conflicts with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Thousands rallied in support of the withdrawal, with leaders in Niger and Burkina Faso denouncing Western influence.

Written by B.C. Begley