The military regimes in the three countries announced on Sunday their decision to exit ECOWAS following their suspension from the regional bloc.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it had not been officially notified by three member-states, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, of their decisions to withdraw from the regional body.
This comes as a reaction to an earlier announcement by the three Saheel nations that they’re exiting ECOWAS.
The military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, in a joint statement on the afternoon of Sunday, January 28, 2024, announced their immediate withdrawal from the regional bloc.
They claimed that the move was a “sovereign decision” to leave ECOWAS “without delay,” saying the body had become a threat to members.
But in its reaction, the body said it was yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three member states regarding their purported exit.
“The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community,” the body stated in a statement on Sunday evening.
It also highlighted that it has been working with the three countries towards a peaceful restoration of constitutional order, stressing that they remain important members of the bloc.
“The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order. 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.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves,” the statement added.
