AU 'regrets' decision of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso to withdraw from ECOWAS

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat, has expressed deep regret at the announcement of the withdrawal of Mali,  Niger and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and urged leaders of the sub-region to intensify dialogue with them.

In a statement issued in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, he called for the pooling of all efforts so that "the irreplaceable Unity of ECOWAS be preserved and African solidarity be enhanced". 

"The African Union Commission Chairperson calls upon the Regional leaders to intensify dialogue between the leaders of ECOWAS and the three above mentioned countries," the statement said.

In this regard, the statement added, Mr. Mahamat expressed the "full readiness" of the AUC to give all assistance, within its power, to ensure the success of the logic of brotherly dialogue far from any external interference from any quarter.

Nigeria, which holds the rotaing presidency of ECOWAS, has criticised the military leaders of the three countries for their decision to withdraw from the sub-regional bloc.

A statement signed by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, recalled that ECOWAS had worked to promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region.

“Nigeria stands with ECOWAS to emphasise due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States,” it said.

The three countries, which are under military rule, announced on Sunday that they were leaving ECOWAS with immediate effect, claiming that it had drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers. 

A statement read by Colonel Amadou Abdramane, the spokesman for the Niger junta, said: "After 49 years, the valiant peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regretfully and with great disappointment observe that the organisation has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism."

It said the organisation had failed to assist them in their "existential fight against terrorism and insecurity".

ECOWAS in a communique on Sunday said the three countries remained important members, and the Authority of Heads of State and Government "remains committed to find a negotiated solution to the political impasse".

In a communique issued in Abuja said: "The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of the Heads of State and Government, has been working assidiously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order.

"The ECOWAS Commssion remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves."

Reports say the countries' formal letters to leave ECOWAS were transmitted to the Commission on Monday.

According to the statement from Nigeria’s foreign ministry, the West African giant had worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced.

However, “it is now clear that those seeking to quit the Community do not share that same good faith”.

"Instead, unelected leaders engage in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders," Nigeria said.

It also appealed for continued support for ECOWAS from the International Community.

-0- PANA MA 31Jan2024