Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced a new 0.5% levy on imported goods to fund their new three-state union. This move comes after they decided to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a larger regional economic bloc.
The Alliance of Sahel States, formed in 2023, initially aimed to strengthen security ties between the three countries. It has since evolved into an economic union, planning to introduce biometric passports and foster closer economic and military cooperation.
The levy, agreed upon on Friday, will take effect immediately. It will apply to all goods imported from outside the three countries, excluding humanitarian aid. The revenue generated will "finance the activities" of the bloc, although details on how it will be allocated are scarce.
This development marks a significant shift away from free trade across West Africa, which has been a cornerstone of ECOWAS for decades. The move also highlights the growing rift between the three Sahel states and influential democracies like Nigeria and Ghana.
Tensions have been rising since the three countries announced their intention to leave ECOWAS last year. They accused the bloc of failing to provide adequate support in their fight against Islamist insurgents and addressing insecurity. In response, ECOWAS imposed economic, political, and financial sanctions, which have had limited impact.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are among the poorest countries globally, struggling to contain an armed Islamist insurgency that has ravaged the region over the past decade. The violence, perpetrated by groups linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State, has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions, and eroded trust in democratically elected governments.
The new levy and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States reflect the three countries' efforts to assert their independence and address regional challenges. However, the implications of this move on regional trade, security, and cooperation remain to be seen.
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