AES exit: ECOWAS says body yet to receive formal notification
The Economic Community of West Africa, ECOWAS, said the bloc is yet to receive formal letters from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, on their withdrawal from the body.
The three countries who constitute members of the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, a military accord between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, announced on Sunday that they were withdrawing their memberships from ECOWAS.
However, ECOWAS notified the public on Sunday that it is yet to have a formal letter addressed to the body on the withdrawal of these countries, noting that they have been working with these nations to restore constitutional power and that, “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”
In the joint communique read over their state media, the military juntas said the 49-year-old ECOWAS has deviated from the reasons for its creation,” Among others, the ECOWAS under foreign influence has betrayed the principle reason for creation, and has become a threat to member countries and her citizens in which it is expected to provide happiness,” the communique partially read.
They also accused ECOWAS of not helping them fight terrorism but said they when they took their destinies into their hands ( overthrowing civilian regimes) ECOWAS imposed what they described as “illegal and illegitimate sanctions, inhumane sanctions” that violate their constitution.
Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso, Colonel Assimi Goita of Mali, and Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger said their decision comes after careful consideration of the above issues and also fulfilling the wishes of their population.
On July 26, 2023, the military took over power in Niger, forcing President Mohammed Bazoum to relinquish the presidency but ECOWAS warned that it was going to intervene with troops to restore constitutional power Coup in Niger: Russia warns ECOWAS military action will destabilise Sahel region – Cameroon News Agency
But more than 30,000 supporters in Niger gathered at the national stadium to support the junta. NIGER: Coup supporters defy ECOWAS threat, pack 30,000-capacity football stadium – Cameroon News Agency
