Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed its commitment to resolving the recent political crisis following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the organization. In a press release issued in Abuja, the headquarters of ECOWAS, the Commission emphasized its determination to negotiate a solution to the impasse.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Commission stated, “Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community, and the Authority of heads of state is committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.” This statement was released on January 28, following the announcement of the withdrawal by the three Sahel states.

The Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, announced their departure from ECOWAS this Sunday. The decision was broadcasted on the public televisions of these states. In their joint press release, they accused ECOWAS of straying from its founding ideals and being influenced by foreign powers, thereby posing a threat to its member states and their populations. They criticized ECOWAS for failing to support their fight against terrorism and insecurity. Moreover, when these states decided to independently address their challenges, ECOWAS reportedly responded with sanctions that the countries described as “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible.”

The ECOWAS Commission has yet to receive a formal notification regarding the intentions of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to leave the Community. The withdrawal comes in the wake of the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, a coalition aimed at defending their strategic interests. This move followed ECOWAS’s military intervention in Niger to restore President Mohamed Bazoum, who was deposed by General Abdourahamane Tiani.