Otu Mandrakes Wilberforce, the Executive Secretary for Center for International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs says the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was expected.
This comes after the three countries, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, announced their decision to leave ECOWAS with immediate effect on Sunday January 28th 2024.
ECOWAS suspended the three countries following military coups that overthrew their democratically elected governments.
ECOWAS suspended Niger last July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020 and 2021.
The three countries after their suspension have formed a defense pact called the Alliance of Sahel States which commits each to come to the other’s aid, in defense of its territorial integrity, from internal and external aggression.
They have also cut military and cooperation ties with former colonial power France and turned to Russia for security support.
In a statement announcing their exit, the three African countries accused the ECOWAS of drifting from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has responded to news of the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the community affirming its commitment to working diligently with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to restore constitutional order, in line with directives from the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
ECOWAS says it is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community, the authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse in those countries.
Speaking to the issue on Atinka FM’s AM Drive with host Nana Yaw Fianko, the Executive Secretary for Center for International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs Otu Mandrakes Wilberforce said the exit of the three countries had always been in the pipeline.
He revealed that the three countries have terrorism as a common issue and as they believe ECOWAS has not been able to find a lasting issue to terrorism in the countries in question.
“If you observe the reasons for the exit they mention the lack of corporate support in the fight against terrorism. The three countries Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s have terrorism as a common issue and as we, as ECOWAS have not been able to find a lasting solution to it. I think they feel that if you are part of a group that cannot support you but when I take action in my own hands they impose actions on me, then it is better I leave” Otu Mandrakes Wilberforce told Nana Yaw Fianko.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu
