African-Union
January 30, 2024
The African Union (AU) has called for dialogue between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and three junta-led countries Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso who have said they will leave the bloc.
The AU made its position known in a communique on Tuesday.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat learned with deep regret of the announcement of the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS,” the AU said in a statement.
“(He) calls for combined efforts so that the irreplaceable unity of ECOWAS is preserved and African solidarity strengthened.”
He urged regional leaders to intensify dialogue between the ECOWAS leadership and the three countries, and said the AU was available to help.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s foreign ministries formally notified the ECOWAS Commission of their decisions to leave the bloc in written notices dated Jan. 29.
In this regard, he expressed the full readiness of the African Union Commission to give all assistance, within its power, to ensure the success of the logic of brotherly dialogue far from any external interference from any quarter.
