Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Clarifies ECOWAS Withdrawal Intentions

Ouagadougou – Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Appolinaire Kyelem de Tambela, stated on Monday that the country’s decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), along with Mali and Niger, is not an act of defiance against any state or institution. This declaration was made during a meeting with private sector actors in the capital, underscoring the move as a strategic effort to prioritize national sovereignty and the security of its citizens.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the withdrawal, announced on January 28, 2024, is part of a broader strategy by the three nations to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023. This coalition aims to consolidate their resources to effectively combat terrorism, a significant threat in the region. The Prime Minister emphasized that the decision was not made in opposition to any entity but was necessitated by a need to bolster the sovereignty, security, and prosperity of the populations within their territories.

Kyelem de Tambela expressed disappointment in the African Union and ECOWAS, criticizing them for their lack of support as citizens of the withdrawing states suffered under terrorist attacks. He highlighted the organizations’ apparent indifference to the human cost of terrorism, accusing them of focusing solely on electoral timelines rather than addressing the urgent needs of people affected by violence and insecurity.

The Prime Minister’s remarks reflect a profound frustration with the response—or lack thereof—from regional and continental bodies to the security challenges faced by Burkina Faso and its partners in the AES. He concluded by stating a firm stance against provocations and declared that Burkina Faso would no longer engage with delegations from the African Union and ECOWAS, signaling a significant shift in the country’s diplomatic posture within the region.