<h1>Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Withdraw from ECOWAS, Form New Alliance Amid Criticism of Regional Representation.</h1> Three West African nations, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking an unprecedented disintegration of the regional bloc. This follows a yearlong process during which ECOWAS attempted to prevent their departure. Despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS has expressed willingness to maintain open relations, urging member nations to continue extending privileges such as free movement. Established in 1975, ECOWAS aimed to foster cooperation and economic stability. However, it faces criticism for not effectively representing regional interests, leading the three nations to form their own security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States.