The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states will meet in Ghana on Tuesday, April 22 to discuss the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the regional body.
The bloc, in a statement it issued on Tuesday, said member states will discuss the modalities of the countries’ withdrawal and its implications for ECOWAS agencies in the countries.
Additionally, the bloc said it would set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.
The statement reads: “The session is being held to deliberate on the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc.
“Key items on the agenda include the modalities of the withdrawal process and the implications for ECOWAS Institutions and Agencies operating in the three countries. The session will also address other related matters of regional importance.”
Persecondnews recalls that three weeks ago, the junta-led states under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) introduced a 0.5% import duty on all goods from ECOWAS countries entering their territory, except for humanitarian aid.
The policy runs counter to ECOWAS goal of facilitating free trade between its members and AES countries, despite their January exit.
The AES officially exited ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, following a prior announcement and completion of the treaty-mandated notice period.
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