The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is scheduled to meet later this month to discuss the 0.5 per cent import levy recently introduced by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) on goods from ECOWAS member countries.
Joel Ahofodji, Head of Communication for the ECOWAS Commission, confirmed this on Wednesday, stating that an “Extraordinary Council” meeting will take place on April 22 to deliberate on the issue and other related matters.
When asked about potential retaliatory measures against the import levy imposed by AES, Ahofodji responded, “ECOWAS will have an Extraordinary Council on the 22nd of April. All these issues will be discussed.”
The AES, an alliance comprising the military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, implemented the 0.5 per cent import duty on ECOWAS-origin goods as part of efforts to boost its revenue.
Effective since March 28, the levy applies to all imported goods except for humanitarian aid.
This development conflicts with ECOWAS’s goal of ensuring the free movement of goods within the region. Despite their official withdrawal from the bloc in January 2025, ECOWAS had earlier assured that goods from the three AES countries would still be eligible for duty-free and quota-free trade under the “ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.”
The new tariff, however, introduces a trade restriction, potentially increasing costs, disrupting supply chains, and driving up prices within the AES countries.
Tensions Between ECOWAS and AES
Relations between ECOWAS and the three Sahel nations have been strained since early 2024, following their decision to exit the bloc. The move came after months of friction, with the junta-led governments accusing ECOWAS of failing to support them in their fight against terrorism and of enforcing sanctions that harmed their populations.
Although ECOWAS later lifted these sanctions, the three countries remained committed to leaving the regional body.
In response, ECOWAS introduced guidelines aimed at minimizing disruptions for businesses and citizens. These measures covered duty-free trade, visa-free movement, and residency provisions.
Despite the ongoing tensions, ECOWAS has expressed openness to resuming discussions should the AES nations seek to rejoin the bloc in the future.
Niger Withdraws from Regional Security Force
In a related development, Niger has officially pulled out of the “Multinational Joint Task Force” (MNJTF), a regional military coalition combating Islamist insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
The MNJTF, which has been operational since 2015, includes troops from Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon.
