The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned that Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali’s decision to withdraw from the bloc could lead to its dissolution and increase insecurity risks.
Speaking at the 63rd ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray emphasized that freedom of movement and a common market are among the bloc’s key benefits. However, he noted that these achievements would be jeopardized if Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali proceed with their withdrawal.
Touray highlighted that economic projects exceeding $500 million in these three countries could be halted or suspended due to their withdrawal. He emphasized, “Considering these benefits, fragmentation would not only restrict people’s freedom of movement and settlement, but also exacerbate insecurity in the region.”
Touray further pointed out that the withdrawal of these countries would pose a significant challenge to security cooperation, particularly in terms of intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts.
- Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger had organized their first summit
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by withdrawing from ECOWAS, held their inaugural summit in Niamey, Niger’s capital, last Friday. During the summit, they signed a joint declaration outlining the establishment of the “Confederation of Sahel States,” with Malian President Goita elected as the AES’s rotating president for one year.