The coup-controlled states of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced on Sunday that they would immediately withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The reason for this move was that ECOWAS was under the influence of foreign powers, which threatened the ECOWAS member states.
ECOWAS countries also imposed irrational and illegal sanctions that contradicted their own principles, the report said.
Sanctions against Niger
On July 26, a military coup took place in Niger, prompting ECOWAS to impose sanctions and threaten military action. Neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Mali are also ruled by the military after the overthrow of the government and have been suspended from ECOWAS.
In September, the three governments came together to form an alliance of the Sahel states. The agreement allows for mutual military assistance. It is also about taking joint action against ‘terrorist groups’ and securing the country’s borders.
Africa’s “EU pendant”
Despite several attempts to negotiate the readmission of the coup countries into the economic community, relations between ECOWAS and the three military governments have continued to deteriorate.
ECOWAS consists of 15 member states, making it one of the largest regional economic communities in Africa. The aim is to promote economic cooperation between member states to raise living standards. Since the military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and most recently Niger, relations with the three countries have been very tense. They are increasingly turning to Russia.
Source: Krone
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