NewsECOWAS Maintains Friendly Ties As Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Finally Exit Regional...

ECOWAS Maintains Friendly Ties As Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Finally Exit Regional Bloc

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January 29, (THEWILL) – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic formally exited membership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Wednesday.

The three countries have teamed up to form a separate confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

They had notified ECOWAS of their plan for an “immediate” withdrawal in January 2024, alleging the organisation’s excessive dependence on France in particular.

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In Niger, thousands of people on Tuesday, chanted slogans hostile to French President, Emmanuel Macron, as well as other leaders in the region with whom Niger has strained relations, such as Benin, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

“On January 28, 2024, we announced our exit from ECOWAS with immediate effect. Many thought it was a joke, that we were going to go back on our decision. This is ending today, there is nothing left between ECOWAS and us”, said Ibro Amadou Bacharou, the private chief of staff of Niger’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani.

Also in Burkina Faso, thousands including Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo and other members of the government gathered in Ouagadougou’s Nation square, chanted slogans declaring support for exit ECOWAS

“Down with ECOWAS. Long live AES, down with ECOWAS:, one banner read. Another said: “Goodbye hand-tied ECOWAS, long live free AES.”

Some protesters also carried flags of the three Sahel countries or that of Russia. “To cut the cord of imperialism… this will not be done by the tender hands of a midwife, but by an axe”, Ouedraogo said.

In Mali, crowds rallied at Kurukanfuga, an emblematic area near the capital Bamako where the new constitution of the Mandingo empire was declared in the 13th century following a major victory.

“ECOWAS has turned its back on the ideals of its founding fathers as well as pan-Africanism. It has become a hindrance for the development of member states”, said Samou Samuel Kone, one of the organisers.

Meanwhile, ECOWAS on Wednesday, announced interim measures to ensure continued cooperation and prevent disruptions to people and businesses in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic.

A statement by ECOWAS emphasised that despite the exit of the three countries, the organisation remains committed to regional solidarity and preserving the interests of the populace. The decision aligns with the authority’s resolve to maintain open diplomatic channels with the departing member states.

ECOWAS noted that authorities within and outside its member states would still recognise National Passports and ID Cards bearing the ECOWAS logo from citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger until further notice.

The regional bloc also stated that Goods and services originating from these countries will continue to be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the community’s investment policies.

In addition, Citizens of the three nations will retain their rights to visa-free movement, residence, and establishment within ECOWAS territories, in line with existing protocols.

Authorities are also expected to provide full cooperation to ECOWAS officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger during their assignments.

These temporary measures will remain in place until the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government finalises future engagement modalities with the three nations.

The Commission has also established a structure to facilitate discussions with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to define the terms of their future relationship with ECOWAS.

“This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period”, ECOWAS stated.

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