West African nations flee quickly from the regional bloc that opposed military takeovers following coups

As its ministers convened to discuss the escalating political strain and division in the region, West African regional bloc said on Thursday that the coup-stricken countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are swiftly abandoning the body without adhering to its exit regulations.

The ECOWAS bloc refuted claims made by the juntas of the participating countries that their unprecedented decision to withdraw their membership was due to the coup-related sanctions the bloc imposed on their countries, rather than supporting their efforts for peace and development, during the ministerial meeting in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

Following the coups they carried out, the three juntas announced late last month that they were leaving ECOWAS, severing their ties to both the bloc and other countries.

It’s the first time in the bloc’s nearly 50 years of existence that its members have withdrawn in such a manner. Analysts say it’s an unprecedented blow to the group that could threaten efforts to return democracy and help stabilize the increasingly fragile region.

The president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, told reporters at the meeting that the countries’ “hasty decision” did not follow the requirements stated by the association’s protocol, including a one-year notice period before such a process could be completed.

“More importantly, the three member states have not really reflected on the implications of this decision on the citizens,” Touray said.

Separately, senior government officials in the junta-led countries on Wednesday dismissed possible talks with ECOWAS over the issue, further diminishing any hopes of dialogue to resolve the crisis.

While Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country is going ahead with the withdrawal plan “without delay,” Mali’s foreign affairs minister Abdoulaye Diop accused the regional body of partiality and failing to act in other countries where democracy is being violated.”

(with inputs from agencies)