Junta Led Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Quits ECOWAS

Three members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have announced they are leaving the regional bloc. The French News Agency (AFP) reports that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger accuse ECOWAS of moving away from the “ideals of its founding fathers and Pan-Africanism.” They also accused ECOWAS of failing to assist them in the fight against terrorism. In a brief statement released on Sunday, ECOWAS said it had yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three countries about “their intention to leave the community.” The statement said ECOWAS remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves. Political analyst Ibrahima Kane, tells VOA’s James Butty, he’s not surprised by the three countries’ decision.