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Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Withdraw From ECOWAS
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, three Sahel nations plagued by jihadist violence and poverty, have made a significant announcement, withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The military regimes of these countries have decided to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In a joint statement released on Sunday, the leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso stated that their decision to leave ECOWAS is a “sovereign decision” and will be implemented promptly.
This move comes as no surprise, considering the strained relations between these countries and ECOWAS following the series of coups that occurred in the region. Last July, Niger experienced a coup, followed by Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020. These political upheavals have further exacerbated the already existing challenges of jihadist violence and poverty in the region.
In response to the coups, ECOWAS had suspended all three countries, imposing heavy sanctions on Niger and Mali. This suspension and the subsequent sanctions have only deepened the rift between the Sahel nations and the regional bloc. The military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have expressed their dissatisfaction with ECOWAS’ approach, arguing that it hinders their ability to address the pressing issues they face.
The decision to withdraw from ECOWAS is seen as a bold and independent move by the Sahel nations. By asserting their sovereignty, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso aim to take control of their own destinies and tackle the challenges they face in a manner that aligns with their unique circumstances. However, this decision also carries significant implications for the region’s political landscape and its relationship with ECOWAS.
One potential consequence of this withdrawal is the disruption of regional cooperation and integration efforts. ECOWAS plays a crucial role in promoting economic cooperation, regional security, and political stability among its member states. The departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso could undermine these efforts and lead to a fragmentation of regional initiatives.
Furthermore, the withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS raises questions about the effectiveness of the regional bloc in addressing the complex issues faced by its member states. The Sahel region has been grappling with persistent jihadist violence, which has claimed countless lives and displaced numerous people. The absence of a unified regional approach could hamper efforts to combat this grave security threat.
Additionally, the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS may have implications for their international standing and partnerships. ECOWAS provides a platform for its member states to engage with regional and international actors, fostering diplomatic relations and attracting foreign investment. The exit of these countries from the regional bloc could potentially limit their access to these opportunities and hinder their efforts to address economic challenges and attract much-needed investment.
It is worth noting that this decision by the Sahel nations to withdraw from ECOWAS has garnered significant attention and sparked debates within the international community. Experts and analysts are closely monitoring the situation, assessing the potential ramifications on regional stability, security, and development.
The withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS signifies a turning point in the region’s political dynamics. It reflects the frustration of these countries with the current approach taken by the regional bloc and their desire to assert their sovereignty. However, the consequences of this decision remain uncertain, and its impact on regional cooperation, security, and development will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized in the coming months.
The Association of Scavengers, Scrap Dealers, and Recyclers, Abuja, has publicly dissociated itself from a Federal High Court suit filed by unregistered scavengers and beggars against the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the association’s chairman, Mallam Muntari Mohammed, clarified that the group is a duly registered body, with members holding valid identity cards and engaging in legitimate waste management, scrap trading, and recycling businesses.
He stressed that the association has always complied with the FCT Administration’s rules and regulations, maintaining a clean record.
Muntari noted that the association had formally written to the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to affirm its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and adhering to stipulated guidelines.
He distanced the group from unregistered scavengers, whom he accused of tarnishing the reputation of legitimate operators through theft and other illicit activities.
The chairman addressed the FCT Minister’s recent ban on scavenging, which stemmed from misunderstandings about the distinction between honest scavengers and rogue elements.
“We have never confronted the FCT authorities and will never do so,” Muntari said, emphatically dissociating the association from the court case against Wike.
The Vatican has confirmed that only one round of voting will take place this Wednesday afternoon as the conclave to elect the next pope officially gets underway.
Cardinals from around the world gathered earlier Wednesday in the Sistine Chapel, where they took a sacred oath of secrecy before the chapel doors were ceremonially closed with the Latin phrase “extra omnes,” meaning “everyone out.” The papal master of ceremonies then declared the start of the conclave, invoking a centuries-old tradition whose name comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “locked with key.”
Wednesday’s solitary ballot marked the opening step in the process to choose the new leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. Should the vote prove inconclusive requiring a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope, cardinals will resume the process on Thursday, casting up to four ballots daily until consensus is reached.
Each cardinal votes by writing “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”) on a paper ballot, followed by the name of their chosen candidate. In a quiet and orderly procession, they approach the silver and gilded urn in order of seniority to place their ballots.
As the final vote is cast, the tension rises in St. Peter’s Square, where the faithful and millions watching around the globe await the first sign of smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Black smoke will indicate that no decision has been made; white smoke will proclaim that a new pope has been elected.
The last two conclaves, in 2005 and 2013, ended on the second day, with Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis elected after a series of swift ballots, respectively.
As the doors remain closed and Vatican cameras withdraw, the world waits in hushed anticipation for the next chapter in the history of the Catholic Church to be written.
Governor Hyacinth Alia will not honour the House of Representatives Committee invitation scheduled for Thursday, May 8.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, confirmed this to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi.
The House had summoned the governors of Benue and Zamfara, alongside their Assembly leadership.
Kula stated that the invitation is unconstitutional and the governor will not comply with it.
He explained that Alia has filed a case at the Supreme Court challenging the lawmakers’ invitation.
“Yesterday, the Benue Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the Reps Committee invitation.
“They believe the invitation is based on ignorance and have decided not to attend. They will also challenge it in court,” he said.
Kula added that the governor, independently, has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the invitation’s legality.
He said: “Since the matter is in court, I will not speak further on it.”
Kula also claimed that the civil society group behind the petition is faceless and unregistered.
According to him, the address on the group’s letterhead is fake and lacks credibility.
He said there is a coordinated campaign of misinformation and sponsored protests aimed at destabilising Benue.
In recent weeks, he noted, there have been protests in Abuja allegedly representing Benue people’s concerns.
“These protests aim to provoke a state of emergency in Benue by portraying it in a negative light,” he said.
He claimed the organisers seek to undermine progress and return to a failed political order.
“Their ultimate goal is to create chaos for selfish political gain,” Kula added.
He accused the protest sponsors of trying to remove the governor through disruptive means.
“They will not succeed. Benue people stand firmly with their governor,” he said.
He assured the public that Benue remains peaceful and the government is functioning effectively.
“Governor Alia is committed to fulfilling his mandate and addressing the state’s challenges,” he said. (NAN)