- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which the three coup-hit nations of West Africa, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, have declared their immediate exit from, citing the organization’s imposition of “illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible” sanctions during their coups. For the first time in the bloc’s almost 50 years of existence, members are leaving in this way; observers see it as a historic setback to the organization and an additional risk to the stability of the area.
- When ECOWAS was founded in 1975, its objectives were to preserve and improve economic stability while also advancing collaboration and integration among its members to improve living standards. Since then, it has developed as the leading political authority in the area, frequently working with governments to address internal issues ranging from politics to the economy and security. Some, however, contend that ECOWAS is rapidly losing the respect and allegiance of many West Africans, who feel that it is not adequately representing their interests in an area where residents have long complained about not being able to take use of the abundant natural riches in their nations.
- The bloc’s decision to utilize sanctions as a primary instrument in an effort to overthrow the coups in those three nations has damaged relations between ECOWAS and them. Observers perceived the Alliance of Sahel States, which the juntas established in November, as an effort to gain legitimacy for their military regimes, pursue security cooperation, and grow more autonomous from ECOWAS.
- Leading the drive to restore civilian governance to the nations overthrown by coups, ECOWAS has been applying pressure through sanctions on the juntas and rejecting long-term transitional schedules. After the statement on Sunday, observers speculate that the non-allegiance to ECOWAS might cause a delay in the three nations’ return to democracy and inspire coups in other countries. They are exempt from prior transitional deadlines that were established in an effort to lessen sanctions against them if they leave the ECOWAS region.
- Russia has been more hospitable and continues to feed anti-French feeling by portraying itself to African countries as a nation that never colonized the continent, despite its lengthy military control and other possible consequences. Security issues have continued in the African nations where Wagner has been deployed, despite the mercenary outfit being charged with many human rights breaches.
Source:
Associated Press
