Mali: The need to break away from ECOWAS for a better economic future
On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, the Prime Minister of the Transition, Dr. Choguel Kokalla Maiga, met with economic operators to shed light on the reasons behind the withdrawal of the AES from the ECOWAS. The meeting was part of an information and exchange session on the reasons for this withdrawal, seeking support from the sector to move towards economic sovereignty.
According to the Malian Prime Minister, in addition to lacking empathy, solidarity, and strategic vision for the three countries facing terrorism for several years, ECOWAS had become an additional threat through its actions.
He emphasized that it imposed sanctions and wielded threats of military intervention against Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Hence, the decisive motivation of the AES member states to withdraw from the organization, announcing that the transitional authorities made this decision after careful consideration and are prepared to face the consequences that may arise.
To achieve this, he called for the support of economic operators to turn this situation into an opportunity to move towards economic sovereignty after territorial sovereignty.
The President of the Chamber of Commerce expressed the willingness of operators to support the authorities.
However, he wished for a quick solution to the problems that could arise in customs and economic affairs, promising to come back to them.
Hoping that political decision-makers have already thoroughly analyzed the economic stakes and consequences, as well as the advantages of this decision, private sector actors, through the President of the employers’ association, acknowledged the decision.
They indicated that professional groups affiliated with the National Council of Employers (CNPM) have begun expressing their concerns and suggestions, which will be subject to careful and thorough examination.
Titi KEITA
