By Adenike Lawal
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have introduced a 0.5 percent import duty on goods from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), countries, escalating tensions with the regional bloc.
This move, effective Friday, signals a deeper economic shift following the trio’s withdrawal from ECOWAS earlier this year.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), initially a security pact, is now asserting itself as an economic bloc with plans for biometric passports and strengthened trade and military ties.
The new tariff, exempting humanitarian aid, aims to fund AES operations but threatens regional trade stability.
Experts warn of higher consumer prices, disrupted supply chains, and economic uncertainty across West Africa. While the tax may provide short-term revenue for the military-led governments, it risks undermining long-term economic cooperation.
ECOWAS, despite the nations’ formal exit, maintains diplomatic engagement until July, leaving room for possible negotiations.
However, with this latest policy shift, the rift between the Sahel states and ECOWAS appears to be widening.
