The military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with immediate effect.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, the leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso alleged that the bloc has “moved away from the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism”
This is coming after ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the countries after the juntas ousted civilian governments, with Niger being the latest.
However, the trio described the sanctions as “inhumane and irresponsible”
“Furthermore, ECOWAS, under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has become a threat to its member states and its populations whose happiness it is supposed to ensure,” the statement noted.
ECOWAS provides a platform for its member states to engage with regional and international actors, fostering diplomatic relations and attracting foreign investment.
The exit of these countries from the regional bloc could potentially limit their access to these opportunities and hinder their efforts to address economic challenges and attract much-needed investment.
It is worth noting that the decision by the Sahel nations to withdraw from ECOWAS has garnered significant attention and sparked debates within the international community.
Experts and analysts are closely monitoring the situation, assessing the potential ramifications on regional stability, security, and development.
