Three military-led West African nations – Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the regional bloc said on Wednesday.
The departure of these three nations signifies the conclusion of a year-long effort by the group to prevent an unprecedented breakdown.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are now united in a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after their military rulers accused ECOWAS of having imposed “inhuman, illegal and illegitimate” sanctions against them after the coups that brought them to power.
They also believe that the West African organisation has not helped them enough to fight jihadist violence.
ECOWAS, they argue, is subservient to their former colonial ruler, France.
Paris has become the common enemy of these juntas, which now favour partnerships with countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
ECOWAS said the three countries’ withdrawal, first announced a year ago, “has become effective today. ”
The bloc, however, said that it has also decided to “keep ECOWAS’ doors open,” requesting member nations to continue to accord the trio of nations membership privileges, including free movement within the region with an ECOWAS passport.
“In the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested to recognise national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, until further notice,” the statement read.
It added that goods and services from the three countries would still be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
ECOWAS noted that these measures aim to “avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”
It also announced that a structure has been established to facilitate discussions on the future relationship between the bloc and the three countries.
Widely seen as West Africa’s top political and regional authority, the 15-nation ECOWAS was formed in 1975 to “promote economic integration” in member states. It has struggled in recent years to reverse rampant coups in the region where citizens have complained of not benefitting from rich natural resources.
This is the first time in the bloc’s half-century of existence that its members have withdrawn in such a manner.
Analysts described the withdrawal of the three countries as an unprecedented blow to the group that could threaten efforts to return democracy and help stabilise the increasingly fragile region.
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