ECOWAS to allow fee movement of Shael states’ citizens

Wednesday, January 29, marked the official departure of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS. The Alliance of Sahel States had announced the creation of the Sahel bloc, after falling out with the Economic Community of West African States.

Despite several diplomatic talks, the states were hellbent on leaving ECOWAS, accusing it of working with the West to frustrate African agendas.

These three states are ruled by military juntas who took power from civilians under the barrel of the gun. ECOWAS cautioned them that they were going to send troops to unseat the juntas. The latter took this as an offensive and quickly created the Sahel bloc.

Following the exit of these countries, ECOWAS has noted that the services usually enjoyed by holders of the Western African bloc will continue to be provided; they will move freely within the member states, trade freely, and enjoy every advantage that has ties with the passport.

However the Commission added that a committee has been created to work on modalities for future engagement with the three countries.