Niamey [Niger], January 29: The juntas that rule Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced on Sunday the immediate withdrawal of their countries from the regional economic bloc ECOWAS.
They claimed in a joint statement that the Economic Community of West African States had come under the influence of foreign powers that threatened the sovereignty of its members.
The ECOWAS bloc had also imposed "irrational" and "inhumane" sanctions following the coups they staged against the civilian governments in their countries, the juntas said.
A military coup took place in Niger on July 26, whereupon ECOWAS imposed sanctions and threatened military action. The neighbouring countries of Burkina Faso and Mali are also ruled by the military following government overthrows.
All three West African states have had their memberships suspended by ECOWAS.
In September, the three juntas joined forces to form a security pact. The deal promises they will come to each other's aid in the case of any military aggression. It also envisions joint action against "terrorist groups." ECOWAS consists of 15 member states.
Source: Qatar Tribune