Mali’s rapid withdrawal from ECOWAS has left businesses and citizens to deal with the consequences of that decision
Younouss Hamèye Dicko, the leader of the Alliance for an Intelligent and Successful Transition, a coalition of political parties, associations and movements, has stated that Malians, entrepreneurs, and the private sector have not been presented with an ECOWAS exit plan.
Due to the rapid withdrawal of Mali from ECOWAS, businesses, business owners and ordinary citizens are left to reap the consequences. In Mail’s case, their energy sector is facing an ongoing crisis.
Younouss Dicko advises the transition authorities to conduct appropriate forecasting and create a sustainable development plan to ensure Mali’s political and economic stability.
Mali, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger (Alliance of Sahel States), announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS earlier this year on the 28 January.
Even though not explicitly stated, causes range from the imposition of sanctions to ECOWAS generally losing its purpose and a lack of support from violent terrorism.
Mali like its other member states benefitted from some protocols and conventions that ECOWAS implemented.
A report from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa has acknowledged ECOWAS for its 40 years of achievement. As of 2013, Mali has ratified 42 out of 51 protocols and conventions. To assist Mali, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia with their energy programmes, a grant agreement of US$108 million was signed in February 2014.
The free movement of goods and services is a fundamental aspect of ECOWAS’ integration efforts in West Africa. This has greatly benefited citizens and business owners in Mali and other countries. However, with the recent withdrawal, Malian citizens and business owners are left to deal with the adverse effects of this decision.