The Premium Times reports that three junta-led countries officially left ECOWAS at the beginning of the year.
Economic communities of West African States (ECOWAS) members will meet in Ghana on Tuesday to discuss the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
The meeting will be held over two days on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the bloc said member states will discuss the modalities of the country’s withdrawal and its impact on the country’s ECOWAS agency.
The Premium Times reports that three junta-led countries officially left the bloc at the beginning of the year.
At the time, ECOWAS was publishing guidelines on relations with three countries and transition measures.
The Bloc maintained free trade policies, visa-free movements, residence and other rights within the state of ECOWAS in three countries. It is based entirely on existing protocols.
The block also said it would “set up a structure to encourage discussions about these modalities with each of the three countries.”
However, ECOWAS Member States will discuss their relationship with the three Accra countries today.
“The sessions are being conducted with caution regarding the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the regional bloc.
“The key items on the agenda include modality of the withdrawal process and its impact on ECOWAS agencies and agencies operating in the three countries. The session will also address other relevant issues of regional importance,” he said.
Three weeks ago, the regime-led state imposed an import duties of 0.5% on goods from ECOWAS under the Sahel (AES) alliance.
Collection applies to all products in ECOWAS countries that fall within one of three countries, except for humanitarian assistance.
The policy rebutted Ecowas’ intention to ensure the free movement of goods between members and AES countries despite officially leaving the bloc in January.
However, he said the recently established agreement, consisting of three countries, is intended to generate revenue to fund the Alliance’s activities.
