Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) takes effect today, Wednesday, marking a significant fracture in the regional bloc.
The three nations, now united as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), notified ECOWAS of their intent to leave in January 2024, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s “inhuman and illegitimate” sanctions following military coups.
The juntas also criticized ECOWAS for its perceived allegiance to France and lack of support in combating jihadist violence.
The AES nations are instead fostering ties with countries like Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/DW Africa
