KEY POINTS
- Burkina Faso together with Mali and Niger have parted from ECOWAS security initiatives which disrupt the frameworks established by the organization.
- Military troops now face an increasing threat from terrorist drone operator activity.
- Three West African countries which belonged to ECOWAS are establishing closer relations with Russia and Turkey and Iran.
Security frameworks in West Africa face significant disruptions because Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger chose to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as reported by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar in his position as the Chief of Air Staff.
Chad’s departure from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) would create more operational vulnerabilities across the region according to him.
At a meeting with Field Commanders in Abuja Abubakar addressed the changing drone warfare application by terrorist organizations. Following the 2016 attack in Damboa that used drone-delivered home-made grenades as military targeting weapons the Air Marshal provided this information.
The counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system must be implemented under urgent circumstances to protect troops alongside air assets.
ECOWAS faces uncertain future
Since their initial one-year withdrawal notice expired on January 29, 2025, ECOWAS issued its official confirmation for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw completely from the bloc.
After the member countries officially stepped away from the bloc the ECOWAS authorized member states to uphold authority of national passports displaying their logo until permanent instructions apply.
The military governments in the three countries used the explanation of ECOWAS being too reliant on France to defend their decision to withdraw. The countries have changed their strategic alliances toward Russia and Turkey along with Iran which has led to a major political shift in the region.
The uncertain future of ECOWAS security coordination remains unclear after the member states departed from the organization.
