Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso announced their "immediate" departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) The news was like a bolt from the blue in the sub-region, writes Frida Ghitis. Ghitis: This historic rupture is the epilogue of a long standoff between ECOWAS and the military who came to power during a series of coups d'état.
The leaders of Burkina, Mali and Niger justify their coming to power for its support in the security field, she says.