The Economic Community of West African States has said that the trio of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are still member of the regional block.
The block said it was yet to get any official or direct notification from the three countries.
Though, it is not clear how the process will pan out, as the ECOWAS revised TREATY stipulates a year notice for any member state that intends to exit immediately from the Community.
The procedure laid down in Article 91(1) of the ECOWAS REVISED TREATY is that a 1 year notice is submitted to ECOWAS President. Thereafter, Article 91(2) of same says that the government is bound to follow all the laws of ECOWAS even after the submission of a formal request to withdraw until after the 1 year ends.
The block said it was yet to get any official or direct notification from the three countries.
The statement issued on Sunday read: “The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
“The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community .
“The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves.”
