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ECOWAS Facilitates Free Movement for Sahel States’ Citizens

Abuja: Wednesday, January 29, marked the official departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS. The Alliance of Sahel States announced the creation of the Sahel bloc after disagreements with the Economic Community of West African States.

According to Cameroon News Agency, despite several diplomatic talks, these states were resolute in their decision to leave ECOWAS, accusing the bloc of collaborating with Western powers to undermine African agendas. The countries are currently governed by military juntas that took power from civilian leaderships through military force. In response, ECOWAS warned it might deploy troops to restore civilian rule, prompting the affected states to form the Sahel bloc as a defensive measure.

Following the exit of these countries, ECOWAS has assured that the usual services provided to holders of the West African bloc's passport will continue. Citizens will retain the ability to move freely within member states, engage in free trade, and benefit from other related advantages. Nonetheless, the Commission has established a committee to develop strategies for future interactions with the three nations.

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