By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The military-led alliance of Sahel states has imposed an import duty of 0.5% on goods imported from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), further straining already tense relations between the two regional blocs.
The introduction of this import duty marks the end of decades-long free trade, which has been a cornerstone of regional cooperation among ECOWAS nations.
The junta-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger had formed a security and economic pact called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), severing ties with ECOWAS, which they accuse of being influenced by France. In January, they formally announced their exit from ECOWAS.
Despite their departure, they will temporarily retain access to ECOWAS privileges, such as the free movement of people and goods, until the terms of separation are finalised through ongoing negotiations.
According to a document signed by Mali’s military leader and AES president, General Assimi Goïta, revenue from the new tariff, which takes immediate effect, will be allocated to finance AES initiatives, including economic development, public infrastructure projects, and social support programmes.
However, goods in transit, aid, donations, and non-refundable subsidies are exempt from customs duties.
According to Mali’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Alousséni Sanou, the new tariff does not constitute an added burden on consumers.
“We have the ECOWAS community tax, which is uniformly applied,” Sanou explained during a televised address. “For Malian consumers, this tariff is merely a transfer and will not impact imports or the price of imported food.”
The three nations, which seized power through coups between 2020 and 2023, have reiterated their commitment to pursuing policies of independence.
