From Victor Osula, Abuja
In a sudden reaction to the diplomatic face- off with anti- coup leaders of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS bloc, the junta in Burkina Faso Mali and Niger on Sunday announced their decision to break ties with the Community.
In a joint statement, the three countries leaders, Captain Ibrahim Troare of Burkin Faso, Colonel A. Goita of Mali and Brig. Gen Abdourahamane Tiane of Niger, claimed that the regional bloc’s current stand has departed from the solidarity ideals of the founding father, influenced by Western powers bent on fostering exploitation on the region while imposed sanctions has further impoverished their peoples, all in the guise to compel them to return to democratic rule.
The statement, in part, said,“After 49 years, the valiant peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regretfully and with great disappointment observe that the (ECOWAS) organization has drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism,”
