The ECOWAS Commission, the governing body of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has responded to reports of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic withdrawing their membership from the regional bloc. According to the ECOWAS Commission, it has not received any formal notification from the three countries regarding their intentions to quit the organization.
The announcement of withdrawal came after the juntas in Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso were suspended from ECOWAS due to coup d'états in their respective countries. The leaders of the three nations released a statement asserting that it was their sovereign decision to leave ECOWAS immediately.
Despite their suspension and subsequent withdrawal, the ECOWAS Commission emphasized that it has been working diligently with the three countries to restore constitutional order. They also stated that Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community, and the Authority of Heads of State and Government is committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
The ECOWAS Commission acknowledged the broadcasted statements from the national televisions of Mali and Niger but reiterated that it has not received any formal notification from the member states about their withdrawal. The Commission remains engaged with the situation and will provide further updates as the situation evolves.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between ECOWAS and the countries grappling with jihadist violence and poverty. The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, if confirmed, could have significant implications for regional cooperation and efforts to stabilize the affected nations.