According to a statement released Sunday in Abuja, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has yet to receive formal notification of withdrawal from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
ECOWAS, a political and economic union of 15 West African countries, has responded to announcements on Mali and Niger’s national television stations regarding their decision to withdraw from the union.
The ECOWAS Commission emphasized that it has not received direct formal notification of the three member states’ intention to leave the community.
The statement reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to working for the restoration of constitutional order in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, describing them as valuable members of the community.
“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw from the Community,” said the statement.
“The Authority of Heads of State and Government has instructed the ECOWAS Commission to work tirelessly toward the restoration of constitutional order in those nations.
“Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso continue to be significant community members, and the Authority is dedicated to resolving their political impasses through negotiation.
According to the Commission, it will keep an eye on the circumstances and provide more updates as needed.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—three states in West Africa ruled by juntas—announced on Sunday that they would be leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional economic organization that has been pressuring them to revert to democratic governance, effective immediately.
The three nations’ decision, which was made public in a joint statement and broadcast on Niger’s national television, is a setback to the bloc’s attempts to integrate the region after it suspended the three after military takeovers.
Despite negotiations, sanctions, and threats of military intervention, the military leaders have not offered a specific timeline for restoring constitutional rule to the countries since the coups.
Rather, they have become more antagonistic toward the bloc and have charged it with being influenced by outside forces.
