EXPLAINED: 7 | Vintage Vibes

3 coup-hit West African nations formally leave ECOWAS in an unprecedented disintegration

The three junta-led West African nations of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the regional bloc known as ECOWAS

The Independent UK · Jan 29, 2025

Three Sahel nations exit West African bloc as regional politics shift

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso were to officially quit the West African bloc Ecowas Wednesday, severing ties after years of strained relations that have reshaped trade routes in the Sahel.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 29, 2025

Thousands Rally In Burkina, Mali And Niger To Cheer ECOWAS Exit

Thousands of people rallied in junta-led Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali on Tuesday to back their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States regional bloc, due to take effect Wednesday.

International Business Times · Jan 28, 2025

Fears for the future in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso over Ecowas withdrawal

The withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso – who have formed their own Alliance of Sahel States – from West African bloc Ecowas is set to take effect on 29 January, with security experts and members of the diaspora voicing concern over what lies ahead.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 15, 2025

Ghana’s new president faces tough regional security problems: why he’s well-placed to tackle them

John Mahama has been sworn in as Ghana’s new president. He inherits a host of security challenges by dint of the country’s position in the west African region, which has become increasingly volatile.

The Conversation · Jan 13, 2025

West Africa could soon have a jihadist state – here’s why

The Sahel region of Africa, between the Sahara and the tropical savannahs to the south, has emerged as a significant base of groups that want to establish jihadist states.

The Conversation · Jan 12, 2025

‘We would turn up to find books on fire’: the teachers risking kidnap and death to keep Burkina Faso’s schools open

Conflict has forced a fifth of the country’s schools to close. One teacher, determined to keep working despite threats from marauding Islamist militias, shares their testimony

The Guardian - UK · Jan 10, 2025

West African military leaders prepare to exit Ecowas regional bloc, raising concerns for stability

Leaders of the west African regional grouping Ecowas approved the long-awaited withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the bloc in December. The three countries have been granted a six-month grace period from January 29, when their exit becomes official, to reconsider their decision.

The Conversation · Jan 8, 2025

They fled from extremists. Now the government in Burkina Faso tries to hide their existence

Their loved ones were slaughtered by extremists or government-affiliated fighters

The Independent UK · Jan 6, 2025

Mali accuses Algeria of fuelling Sahel insecurity by supporting Tuareg rebels

As Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger prepare to withdraw from the West African bloc Ecowas, reports show an increase in instability in the region – partly due to a lack of coordination in the fight against jihadism – with Mali now accusing Algeria of supporting Tuareg rebel groups.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 3, 2025