Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger still our members – ECOWAS

Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger still our members – ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso are still members of the regional bloc.

It was reacting to a joint statement on Sunday by the three West African countries announcing their exit from regional body over sanctions imposed on them as part of efforts to reverse the coups in their nations.

They also accused the commission of drifting from the spirit of pan-Africanism, and blamed it for failing to stem the insecurity and terrorism in their nations.

But ECOWAS expressed surprise about the development, saying it received no prior notification of the countries’ position.

It said in a statement, “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 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.”