Three Sahel states leave ECOWAS bloc
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso declared their immediate departures from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a January 28th joint statement, according to Reuters.
The three West African states had been suspended from the ECOWAS following military coups in recent years, with the bloc refusing to recognize the countries’ new military leaderships.
ECOWAS is a trading bloc made up of 16 West African countries. It was established in 1975 with the aim of promoting economic cooperation, development, and stability between member states, and to raise the living standards of their peoples. As the largest economic and military power in the bloc, Nigeria dominates its affairs and is home to ECOWAS’ headquarters.
The Nigerien regime’s spokesman, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, stated: “After 49 years, the valiant peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regretfully and with great disappointment observe that the [ECOWAS] organization has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism.”
READ: Fate of Niger’s president ‘uncertain’ after July coup
Since 2020, a trend of democratic retreat has spread through the Western Sahel, with successful military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and an attempted coup in Guinea-Bissau.
Despite extensive negotiations, sanctions, and threats of military intervention by ECOWAS, the juntas have failed to present clear timelines as to their returns to constitutional rule. Instead, they have intensified their rhetoric against the bloc, accusing it of being influenced by foreign powers.
They have also cut ties with their former colonial master France, expelling French troops and turning to Russia for support.
The juntas claim that they intend to restore security before organizing elections, as they struggle to contain al-Qaeda and Islamic State-aligned insurgencies. Colonel Abdramane blamed ECOWAS for having failed to provide proper support to the breakaway countries in their fight against regional terrorism.
READ: Baria Alamuddin: Sahel awash with coups and chaos
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are also members of the eight-nation West African Monetary Union (UEMOA), using the West Africa CFA Franc which is tied to the Euro. The UEMOA had cut off Mali and Niger’s access to the regional financial market and central bank, after their coups. The union later restored Mali’s access while Niger remained suspended.
How the countries’ departures from the economic community will affect the remaining 13 member-states, which enjoy free movement of goods and citizens, remains unclear. According to ECOWAS’ treaty, members wishing to withdraw must give a year’s written notice and continue to abide by its provisions during the period.
ECOWAS claims it is yet to receive formal notification of the countries’ withdrawal and declined further comment.
Reuters
