ECOWAS Confirms Exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially acknowledged the withdrawal of three of its member states: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

This move follows a six-month grace period after the countries announced their decision to leave the regional body.

The departure of these three countries is attributed to military coups that took place in each nation. Mali's military coup in August 2020 led to the country's suspension from ECOWAS, while subsequent coups in Burkina Faso and Niger further strained relations with the regional body.

Despite their withdrawal, the ECOWAS Commission has emphasized in a statement, the importance of regional solidarity, urging both member and non-member states to recognize national passports and identity cards featuring the ECOWAS logo. The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) will also remain in place, allowing trade between member and non-member states.

The exit of these three countries raises concerns about regional security and economic stability. The Sahel region, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, is already plagued by terrorism and humanitarian crises.

The withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS may exacerbate these issues, as they will no longer be part of regional security frameworks and cooperation mechanisms.

Source: Lead News Online