Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced a 0.5% levy on imported goods to finance their newly formed three-state union, following their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), initially a security pact in 2023, has since evolved into an economic and military alliance. The levy, agreed on Friday, takes immediate effect and applies to all imported goods except humanitarian aid.
This move officially ends free trade with West Africa’s ECOWAS bloc, deepening the rift between the three military-led states and regional democracies like Nigeria and Ghana.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger accused ECOWAS of failing to support their fight against Islamist insurgents, which have killed thousands and displaced millions.
ECOWAS sanctions imposed to force a return to civilian rule had little impact, as the Sahel alliance continues to strengthen economic and security cooperation.
© WAVN