ECOWAS: Mali, Burkina Faso Give Fresh Update on Planned Exit
In a significant development, Mali and Burkina Faso have reiterated their resolve to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing threats to their sovereignty and freedom as independent nations.
The military governments of these nations, part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have submitted official letters declaring their decision, which comes in the wake of recent military coups that ousted democratically elected civilian governments.
Mali’s foreign affairs ministry shared a copy of the withdrawal letter with AFP, and Burkina Faso’s official news agency confirmed the submission of their official notice. Although there is no official word from Niger, the statements from Mali and Burkina Faso underscore a shared sentiment among the trio.
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ECOWAS, in response, noted that it awaits “formal and direct notification” from the concerned countries. According to the organization’s statutes, withdrawal cannot take effect for at least a year after official notification.
This move places Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, original ECOWAS members since 1975, at risk of facing sanctions due to the recent military coups.
On Sunday, the Alliance of Sahel States released a joint statement asserting that ECOWAS had deviated from its original principles, succumbing to foreign influences and posing a threat to member nations and citizens. Nigeria, a dominant force in the region, expressed disappointment in a late Monday statement, emphasizing a commitment to due process and protecting the rights and welfare of all citizens of member states.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry stated, “Instead, unelected leaders engage in public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade, and freedom to choose their own leaders.”
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Meanwhile, the military leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have immediately withdrawn from ECOWAS, prompting readiness from ECOWAS to engage with the three nations in line with its interests.
However, the trio has solidified their positions, forming an “alliance of Sahel states” in a move that adds complexity to the geopolitical landscape of West Africa.
