In a bold move signaling deepening economic tensions within West Africa, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have jointly introduced a 0.5% levy on all imported goods from ECOWAS member states, including Nigeria.
The announcement was made via the official X handle of Nigerian Stories, sparking immediate reactions across the region. This policy shift comes amid ongoing friction between the three Sahel nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following their controversial withdrawal from the bloc earlier this year.
Analysts suggest the levy could be a retaliatory measure against ECOWAS sanctions imposed after military juntas took control in these countries. The economic burden of this new tariff is expected to weigh heavily on regional trade, especially for Nigeria, the largest economy in West Africa, which maintains significant commercial ties with these nations.
While officials from ECOWAS are yet to issue an official response, economic experts warn that the move could further strain diplomatic and trade relations, potentially leading to price hikes and supply chain disruptions across the region.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Abuja and other ECOWAS capitals to see how they will respond to this latest challenge in the bloc’s troubled integration efforts.
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