Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso exit ECOWAS

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has exited from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional block as members.

The three West African junta-led states on Sunday said they are leaving ECOWAS.

The decision by the three countries, was announced in a joint statement on Niger national television.

This is coming after the bloc’s regional integration suspended the three countries following military takeovers.

Despite the sanctions, negotiations and threats of military intervention, the three military leaders have failed to provide a clear time table to return the countries to constitutional rule.

The three countries have also cut military and cooperation ties with former colonial master France, and turned to Russia for security support.

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, have argued that they want to restore security before organizing elections as the three Sahel nations battled insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

After 49 years, the valiant peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regretfully and with great disappointment observe that the (ECOWAS) organization has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism,”

Colonel Amadou Abdramane, Niger junta spokesman in statement alleged that ECOWAS has failed to assist these states in their existential fight against terrorism and insecurity.