Three junta-led nations have left the regional economic bloc ECOWAS, citing alleged French influence on the group. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are increasingly turning to Russia as an ally.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially recognised the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional body.

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have officially left ECOWAS, marking a significant shift in West African politics. The withdrawal, finalized after a yearlong process, stems from dissatisfaction with the bloc's alignment with leaders over the citizenry.

Scores of people on Tuesday rallied in Niger and Burkina Faso in support of the withdrawal of their countries from the Economic Community of West African

The junta-led West African nations of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of West

The three junta-led West African nations, who have come together to form the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) after their coups, formally left the Economic Community of West African States, after a year of diplomatic moves to avert their withdrawal.

Junta-led countries Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso officially left West Africa's main political and trade group ECOWAS on Wednesday after more than a year of diplomatic tensions. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have now formed their own confederation,

The withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is "a blow to ECOWAS and I would say beyond that a blow to regional integration in West Africa,