The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed its readiness for a “negotiated solution” in response to the sudden withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc.
This development follows the announcement by the military regimes of the three Sahel nations that they will immediately depart from the group.
On Sunday, the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared their decision to leave ECOWAS as a “sovereign decision,” effective immediately.
These countries, which are struggling with jihadist violence and poverty, have had strained relations with ECOWAS due to a series of coups. Niger experienced a coup in July of last year, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020.
ECOWAS, in a statement released on Sunday, wrote, “The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community.
“The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order.
“Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community, and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves.”
