We’ve Not Received Membership Withdrawal Letter from Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Says ECOWAS

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has said it is yet to receive any formal letter from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso informing it of their withdrawal of their membership from the subregional body.

It however admitted that the announcement as to the effect that the three member countries presently under the country of the military has been monitored on a televised broadcast on Mali and Niger television stations.

The commission’s statement issued on Sunday read: “The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the national televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.

“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three member states about their intention to withdraw from the Community .

“The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order. Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.

“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves.”