Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have introduced a 0.5% levy on imported goods to finance their newly established three-state union following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The military-led governments of the three nations announced on Friday that the levy would take effect immediately. This tariff applies to all imports from outside their borders, with the exception of humanitarian aid. However, officials have not disclosed specific details on how the collected funds will be utilized.
The trio formed the Alliance of Sahel States in 2023 as a security alliance, which has since expanded into an economic and military bloc. Plans are underway for biometric passports and enhanced cooperation among the member states.
This decision effectively ends free trade within West Africa under ECOWAS and highlights the growing divide between the Sahel states and regional powers like Nigeria and Ghana.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their exit from ECOWAS last year, citing the bloc’s failure to support their fight against Islamist insurgents. ECOWAS had imposed sanctions in an attempt to push for a return to democratic rule, but these measures had limited impact.
These three countries, among the world’s poorest, have been grappling with a prolonged Islamist insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The violence has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions, and deepened public disillusionment with democratic governance.
