Nigeria, Jan. 29 -- The three military-led West African nations - Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso - have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The regional bloc disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

This brings to an end a year-long attempt by ECOWAS to convince the countries to reconsider leaving the bloc.

ECOWAS, however, said it intends to "keep its door open" if any of the countries want to return to its fold.

"The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025," the commission wrote.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso first announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in early 2024, following months o...