The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission says the reported decisions by the Governments of Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso to secede from the regional bloc have not been duly communicated.
In a Statement, the Commission expressed surprise over the broadcasts on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger alleging the withdrawal of these countries together with Burkina Faso, adding that there hasn’t been any official notifications from the three member states regarding their intention to leave.
“The ECOWAS Commission, acting on the mandate of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been actively engaged with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in efforts to restore constitutional order.
“Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain vital members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated resolution to the political impasse.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves,” the Statement noted.
The focal countries have been locked in political crises in recent months, with the efforts of ECOWAS to maintain stability and unity within the West African bloc repeatedly brought to the fore.
