The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) on Sunday said it is yet to receive official notice of withdrawal from the body by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic.
The Commission in a statement on Sunday, said its attention has however been drawn to the development through a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
According to ECOWAS, the ” Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member Stated about their intention to withdraw from the Community .
The statement said the ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads Of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order.
“Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves.
Leaders of the three Sahel nations had announced on Sunday that they are leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) immediately.
The three nations which were part of the founding members of the subregional body in 1975, are currently under military rule that seized power from civilian leaders, at different times last year
Amadou Abdramane, of Niger Republic who spoke on behalf of the three nations, had in a statement, declared that ” 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,”
Recall that the three countries are currently under suspension imposes by the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of States following the coups
He disclosed that “The organization notably failed to assist these states in their existential fight against terrorism and insecurity”.
