General Abdourahamane Tchiani, head of the military junta in Niger Republic, has declared that none of the Sahel countries, including Niger, will rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Speaking to RTN news channel in Niamey, General Tchiani reaffirmed the decision made by the military regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger on January 28th, to immediately withdraw from ECOWAS, citing sovereignty and the welfare of their citizens as primary reasons.
The decision to leave ECOWAS, according to General Tchiani, stems from grievances over the bloc's treatment of member states, including the disruption of essential supplies such as food and medicine, as well as the freezing of funds. He emphasized that the withdrawal was necessary to prioritize the well-being of their citizens and to assert independence from external influence.
Addressing concerns about the consequences of withdrawal on security, trade, and socio-economic activities, General Tchiani dismissed the notion that leaving ECOWAS would isolate Niger from the global community, stating that the world is interconnected beyond regional blocs. He expressed confidence that Niger, along with other Sahel countries, would navigate these challenges and ensure the welfare of their citizens without reliance on ECOWAS.
This defiant stance by General Tchiani not only underscores the growing discontent within the Sahel region towards ECOWAS but also raises questions about the future of regional cooperation and stability in West Africa. As Niger and its neighboring countries chart their path outside of ECOWAS, the geopolitical landscape of the region stands poised for significant shifts, with implications for diplomacy, security, and economic development.
