Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-29 19:17:54
The decision made by the Heads of State of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been met with approval by the citizens of Niamey, the capital. Many residents in the region believe that the leaders made the right move in taking control of their own destiny, especially in light of the suffering experienced by the people.
Abdoul-Madjid Soumana expressed his support for the decision, stating, “They did well to take their destiny into their own hands because it’s the people who are suffering. Here, we demand stronger action, even if it means disengaging from all institutions that would hinder the country’s development.” Souleymane Tahirou echoed this sentiment, adding, “We’ve done it. And we’d like them to go beyond ECOWAS and leave all the institutions that could hinder our stature and development.”
The leaders of the three countries have accused ECOWAS of colluding with major powers to destabilize their countries. They also criticize the illegal, inhumane, and illegitimate sanctions imposed on their countries, which have had a detrimental impact on the lives of their populations.
Nassirou Bodo, a social and political activist, highlighted the suspicions that some leaders have regarding ECOWAS’s relationship with other global powers, stating, “You saw that the President of Nigeria and the President of Côte d’Ivoire went to Paris, and we suspect that France is manipulating ECOWAS. So all these elements add weight to our suspicions. So for us, the decision is not only salutary but also historic.”
The three countries are committed to establishing a new bloc of cooperation around the ESA. Despite the challenges posed by their landlocked geography, some countries have offered to assist them due to their access to the sea.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS has expressed its openness to negotiated solutions. It remains to be seen how the withdrawal of these countries will affect the future of the regional bloc.
In conclusion, the decision to leave ECOWAS has been well-received by many in the region, who view it as a necessary step towards reclaiming control of their own development. The leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are now looking to build a new framework of cooperation around the ESA, and their actions have sparked a dialogue about the future of regional alliances in West Africa.
