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The military leaders of three African countries have released a joint statement on Sunday for their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The three countries namely Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared their immediate withdrawal after facing sanctions from the West African body. The leaders of the three Sahel nations characterized the move as a "sovereign decision" and emphasized a swift departure from ECOWAS.
The military juntas cited heavy sanctions imposed on Niger and Mali as a justifiable reason for their decision. The leaders have consolidated their stance by forming an "Alliance of Sahel States."
Niger, previously hoping for dialogue to address differences, faced cold-shouldering and severe sanctions from ECOWAS following a military coup that ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
The joint statement expressed regret, bitterness, and disappointment at ECOWAS for deviating from its founding ideals and Pan-Africanism. The juntas accused the organization of betraying its principles, becoming a threat to member states, and failing to assist in the fight against terrorism and insecurity.
In a swift response to the situation, ECOWAS has expressed readiness for a "negotiated solution" with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The bloc acknowledged the significance of the three countries within the community and reiterated its commitment to resolving the political impasse through negotiation. Despite the military regimes' announcement, ECOWAS stated it had not received any formal notification directly from the countries regarding their withdrawal.
It should be noted that the regimes in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, grappling with Jihadist violence and poverty, have experienced strained ties with ECOWAS since coups unfolded in Niger in July 2023, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020.
