Abstract: An important turning point in the history of regional integration in West Africa is the exit of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This study looks at the political reasons behind these Sahelian states decision to leave, placing it in the larger framework of military-led administration, anti-imperialist sentiment, regional security issues, and ECOWAS perceived inadequacies. The paper investigates how political unpredictability, concerns over sovereignty, and outside influences shaped the withdrawal. The ramifications of the recently established Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as a developing substitute for ECOWAS are also taken into account. Critical questions concerning the future of regional integration, governance, and security cooperation in West Africa are raised by the researcher argument that the pull-out is a reflection of deeper structural tensions within ECOWAS. To evaluate the wider effects of this regional problem, the study makes use of historical viewpoints, qualitative analysis, and current political events.