The African Union (AU) expressed profound regret on Tuesday in response to the weekend decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the African Union Commission, issued a statement urging regional leaders to enhance dialogue between ECOWAS leadership and the three countries.
Faki expressed the African Union Commission’s willingness to provide any necessary assistance to ensure the success of fraternal dialogue.
In the statement, Faki called for concerted efforts to preserve the indispensable unity of ECOWAS and strengthen African solidarity.
The three neighboring nations in the volatile Sahel region jointly announced their immediate withdrawal on Sunday, citing the subservience of ECOWAS to “foreign powers.”
Faki’s plea underscores the urgency of resolving tensions and fostering unity within the West African region.
On Monday, the foreign ministers of the military-led governments individually notified the ECOWAS Commission of their decisions to leave the bloc, accusing it of deviating from its founding ideals.
According to the bloc’s treaty, member states seeking withdrawal must provide a written one-year notice.
The formal withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signals a significant diplomatic challenge that requires careful consideration and strategic resolution.
Tensions between ECOWAS and the three countries escalated after the bloc imposed substantial sanctions in response to military coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (July 2023).
Despite the strained relations, ECOWAS emphasized the continued importance of the three countries as members of the community.
The bloc remains committed to seeking a negotiated solution to the ongoing political impasse, recognizing the crucial role these nations play in regional stability and development.
