Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally cut the relationship with the Ecowas in West African countries, indicating historical explosion in regional cooperation.
However, ECOWAS implements temporary measures to ensure continuous trade and free movement of departure citizens, preventing companies and individuals immediately.
Despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS has confirmed that a passport with the logo and a national ID card are valid for travel from member countries.
In addition, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger products and services continue to enjoy the benefits under the ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme (ETLS) so that they can access the local market without tariffs or restrictions.
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In a statement on Wednesday, ECOWAS reconfirmed the commitment to local solidarity and emphasized that a visa -free movement, residence, and investment policy were maintained for citizens in three countries.
He also guarantees that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger staff will continue to cooperate when performing ECOWAS -related obligations.
Regional blocks stated that these provisional arrangements remain until the head of the state and the ECOWAS authorities of the government will determine the future involvement with three countries.
On the other hand, a special framework has been established to promote the dialogue between ECOWAS and the departure country, and signal a path that has a possibility of future collaboration.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, Mari, and Niger officially took the departure, and thousands of people took them to the celebration, especially with Niameye and Wagadouu.
Protests emphasize the growing dissatisfaction with ECOWAS, which many of the Sahel areas believe that it will help France and Western interests.
In Niamey, the capital of Niger, demonstrations led by members of the ruling military government marched to the Diet, reciting anti -France slogans, criticizing the ECOWAS leader in Nigeria, Benin, Cote Daiboir.
According to the crowd, Ibra Amadu Bachalow, the chief of Staff, the Chief of Staff of Niger's military administration, General Abdurahamane Tiani, announced an exit from ECOWAS on January 28, 2024.
Many people thought it was a joke, but it is clear that we are leaving today. There is nothing left between ECOWAS and us. ”
A similar scene was developed in Wagadugu, the capital of Burkina Faso. It is a sign of a country that shakes the flags of three Sahel countries, and in some cases, in the Russian flag, and changing the geopolitical alliance.
Prime Minister Limtarba Jean Minuel Odragago, who spoke to the protest, declared that “to cut the Imperialism … this is not done by the gentle hand of a midwife, but by X.” We emphasize the determination of leadership. Western influence.
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As they break out of ECOWAS, the three countries are planning to strengthen their unique regional blocks, the Alliance of the Sahel state (AES).
AES, which functions as political and economic coalitions, aims to support local cooperation while reducing dependence on traditional partners like France.
One of the important initiative under the AES framework is the release of a common passport for citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
In addition, the Alliance has announced plans to form 5,000 troops to fight the rebellion of the Jihadist, indicating a strategic change in local security efforts.
According to public relations analysts, the withdrawal of the three countries is a major change in West Africa's geopolitical scenery, but temporary measures by ECOWAS may not be completely disconnected in economic and social connections. Suggests that.
They argue that the next few months will have a permanent break or whether a new form will appear between Sahel and ECOWAS.
