Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Announce When to Dump ECOWAS Finally
- Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic have officially announced their decision to withdraw from the West African bloc, ECOWAS
- Alieu Touray, president of ECOWAS commission, announced the decision of the three countries during the 66th ordinary session of heads of state and government
- Touray's announcement came after the three countries declared their intention to leave the community
CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now!
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic will officially cease to be members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from January 29, 2025.
This announcement was made by Alieu Touray, president of the ECOWAS commission, during the 66th ordinary session of heads of state and governments in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city.
The decision follows the three countries' notification of their intent to withdraw from ECOWAS. The withdrawal process, which includes a transitional period, is expected to be finalised by July 29, 2025.
Source: Twitter
During this time, ECOWAS will keep its doors open to the three countries, and mediation efforts will continue to try to bring them back into the community. The authority has extended the mandate of President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and President Faye of Senegal to continue their mediation efforts up to the end of the transition period.
Why Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger are leaving ECOWAS
According to TheCable, the decision to withdraw from ECOWAS is not entirely surprising, given the recent tensions between the three countries and the community. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have all experienced political instability and military takeovers in recent years, which has led to their suspension from ECOWAS. The community has been working to restore democracy and stability in the region, but it appears that the three countries have decided to go their separate ways.
The implications of this withdrawal are still unclear, but it is likely to have significant economic and political consequences for the region. ECOWAS has been working to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states, and the loss of three key members could undermine these efforts. Additionally, the withdrawal could also have implications for regional security and stability, particularly given the ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region.
In response to the withdrawal, ECOWAS has directed the council of ministers to convene an extraordinary session during the second quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt separation modalities and a contingency plan covering political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the three countries. This plan will aim to mitigate the impact of the withdrawal and ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved.
ECOWAS: Tinubu's defence chief in Niger Republic
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu-Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa has visited his counterpart in the Niger Republic, Gen. Mousa Barmo.
The acting director of defence information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, announced the CDS's movement to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, August 28.
Musa's visit to the neighbouring country came after the Niger Republic withdrew from the ECOWAS.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
