ECOWAS Reacts To Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is yet to be officially informed about the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic
• ECOWAS insisted that Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the community
• The regional organisation said the Authority of Heads of State and Government remained committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering metro and government policy

FCT, Abuja - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reacted to the reported withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic as members of the regional body.

ECOWAS said it was yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three member states about their intention to quit the regional bloc.

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This was disclosed in a communique issued by ECOWAS via its X handle (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday, January 28.

The statement partially read:

“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.”

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ECOWAS: Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso announce withdrawal

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Legit.ng earlier reported that the military rulers of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso withdrew their countries from the ECOWAS with immediate effect.

The three countries issued a joint statement on Sunday, January 28. They claimed their economic interests are were not guaranteed.

Colonel Amadou Abdramane, the Niger junta spokesperson, said in a statement: "After 49 years, the valiant peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regretfully and with great disappointment observe that the (ECOWAS) organization has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism."

Niger Republic military leaders declared terrorists

The President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, labelled the coup plotters of the Republic of Niger as terrorists.

Speaking on the declaration of the standby forces deployed to Niger, Ouattara revealed that it was a collective decision necessary to help end military rule in Niger.

Source: Legit.ng