West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS has approved an exit timeline for three coup-hit nations after a nearly yearlong mediation process. The military juntas of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in January, citing sanctions and a lack of assistance in resolving internal security crises.
During the summit of regional heads of state in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray announced a transitional period from January 29, 2025, to July 29, 2025, allowing the three countries to leave while keeping ECOWAS doors open to them.
