ECOWAS WARNS OF REGIONAL INSTABILITY AS BURKINA FASO, MALI, AND NIGER EXIT BLOC

Mon 08 July 2024:

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) warned on Sunday that the region faces potential disintegration and increased insecurity after junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger signed a confederation treaty to leave the bloc.

The Alliance of Sahel States treaty, signed on Saturday, highlights these countries’ resolve to break away from the 15-member ECOWAS, which has been pressing them to restore democratic governance.

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray emphasized the threat to the bloc’s key benefits, such as freedom of movement and a common market serving 400 million people, should these nations exit. He noted that over $500 million in economic project funding for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger could be halted or suspended, warning that the disintegration would disrupt regional freedom of movement and worsen security.

Touray highlighted the detrimental impact on security cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts. ECOWAS leaders convened at a summit in Abuja to discuss the implications of the Sahel States treaty, considering decisions on a regional standby force to combat terrorism and the establishment of a regional currency.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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