Economic hardship and insecurity are on the rise in Mali as the looming exit from ECOWAS intensifies. Mali’s decision to withdraw from the bloc, announced by its military government a week ago, continues to stir debate and concern in Bamako, the country’s capital.
Despite the bustling energy of the city’s morning routine, underlying worries persist about the ramifications of departing the 15-member regional bloc, which Mali has been a part of since 1975. Djadjie Camara, a shopkeeper in Bamako, expressed the challenges faced by many Malians, attributing them to ECOWAS sanctions and hoping that leaving the bloc will eventually bring benefits.
Following successive coups in Mali, ECOWAS imposed economic sanctions on the country to pressure the transitional government into holding prompt elections. However, these sanctions exacerbated existing economic struggles, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and fallout from global events like Russia’s war in Ukraine. The resulting inflation and soaring costs of essential goods left a lasting impact, prompting some Malians to support the government’s move away from ECOWAS.
The newly formed Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, cited resentment towards ECOWAS sanctions and dissatisfaction with its perceived failure to address terrorism and insecurity as reasons for their joint withdrawal from the bloc. This decision highlights diverging visions of pan-Africanism and concerns about external influence on the regional entity.
Former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara emphasized the importance of African integration and cautioned against further fragmentation, urging dialogue and negotiation to address grievances rather than withdrawal. He stressed the economic implications for the AES states, particularly in terms of trade and free movement, should they leave ECOWAS.
Already, concerns are growing among economic operators, such as transport carriers, who anticipate potential disruptions and challenges if the withdrawal proceeds. The impact on livelihoods is a pressing issue for many Malians, compounded by ongoing power outages and frustration with governance failures.
Despite recent demonstrations in support of the government’s decision, observers note a decline in overall public support for the state, driven by broader socio-economic concerns and disillusionment with unfulfilled promises of improvement.
The deteriorating security situation, marked by escalating violence from armed groups and allegations of human rights abuses, adds to the sense of uncertainty and instability in Mali. While some remain optimistic about the possibility of reversing course and pursuing reconciliation within ECOWAS, others emphasize the need for transparent leadership and constructive engagement to navigate the country through these challenges.
