In an immediate reaction to report that Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have pulled out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the leadership of the subregional bloc has responded that the three nations remain members of the community noting that they are yet to send any formal letters withdrawing their membership.
This was as it revealed that the commission has been working tirelessly with the dictators of the three nations to restore constitutional order in their respective countries adding that the three nations remain important members of the community.
The statement issued on Sunday read: “The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community .
“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 the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves.”
