Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Impose Import Levy, Deepening Rift With ECOWAS
The military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have imposed a 0.5% import levy on all goods entering their territories, marking a significant shift in West African trade relations.
The levy, announced in a joint statement on Monday, applies to imports from Nigeria and other ECOWAS nations, excluding humanitarian aid.
Revenue generated will fund the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a bloc originally formed for security cooperation but now seeking economic integration.
This move follows the trio’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing the bloc’s failure to support their fight against Islamist insurgents.
Analysts warn that the levy could further isolate the Sahel nations, intensifying economic and political tensions in the region.
