The military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have introduced a 0.5% levy on imported goods from ECOWAS member states, including Nigeria, in a move that deepens their economic separation from the regional bloc.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), originally formed in 2023 as a security pact, is now expanding into an economic union with plans for biometric passports and increased economic and military cooperation.
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Trade Barriers and Economic Fallout
The levy, which took effect immediately, applies to all imports from ECOWAS nations, except humanitarian aid. The measure effectively ends free trade between the three Sahel states and their former regional partners, further straining economic ties.
This move follows accusations by the juntas that ECOWAS failed to assist them in combating Islamist insurgencies. Their decision to exit the bloc was a response to what they saw as a lack of support.
ECOWAS Sanctions and Economic Uncertainty
ECOWAS had imposed sanctions to push the juntas toward restoring civilian rule, but the restrictions failed to change their stance.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain among the world's poorest nations, struggling against militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. With this new economic policy, the juntas aim to assert financial independence, but the long-term effects on trade and regional stability remain uncertain.
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