Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop has reaffirmed the irreversible exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), despite ongoing reconciliatory efforts.
Earlier this year, the military leaders of these three countries broke away from ECOWAS and formed their own confederation. ECOWAS heads of state convened in Abuja shortly after and appointed the presidents of Senegal and Togo as mediators for dialogue with the three Sahel states.
During an appearance on state broadcaster ORTM, Diop stated that Mali remains open to cooperation with ECOWAS. However, he criticized the potential introduction of visas for nationals of the three countries traveling within ECOWAS.
The decision to leave the bloc stemmed partly from accusations that France was manipulating ECOWAS and failing to provide sufficient support for anti-jihadist efforts. “Our heads of state were clear in Niamey when they said the withdrawal is irrevocable and immediate,” Diop emphasized.
Mali is “open to working with our neighbors and other organizations in this region,” he added. “We need to maintain discussions to move forward, but the path we’ve embarked on is irreversible.”
According to Diop, creating a confederation is only one stage of this process. “The vision is to work towards a federation of the three states,” he noted.
ECOWAS has stated that the countries must abide by a one-year exit timeframe. However, the juntas insist their withdrawal is effective “without delay.” This departure has raised concerns about the impact on the free movement of goods and people within the region.
If visas are reintroduced, “we will be proven right that some ECOWAS officials have not abandoned old methods of fear and blackmail,” Diop remarked. “In an integration process, there are gains and losses, but we must work to minimize the impact on our populations.”
The breakaway from ECOWAS represents a significant shift in West African geopolitics. The newly formed confederation between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger aims to strengthen their collective stance against external influences and enhance regional security.
ECOWAS’s response to the confederation will be crucial in determining the future stability and cooperation within West Africa. The bloc has been a cornerstone of regional integration, and its ability to adapt to these changes will be tested.
Diop’s comments highlight the tension between the desire for regional cooperation and the push for greater autonomy. The three countries’ leaders have expressed frustration with ECOWAS’s handling of regional security issues and external influence, particularly from France.
The introduction of visas within the region would mark a significant departure from ECOWAS’s principles of free movement. This move could have wide-ranging economic and social implications for the citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
As these nations navigate their new path, the international community will be watching closely. The success or failure of their confederation could set a precedent for other regions facing similar challenges.
The departure from ECOWAS is a bold statement of independence. It underscores the growing assertiveness of Sahel states in determining their future. The journey ahead will be complex, but the commitment to this new direction appears steadfast.
Source: The Guardian
