The military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have imposed 0.5% import levy on goods entering their territories.
This measure, which took immediate effect following a joint statement Monday, applies to all goods imported from outside the three nations, with the sole exception of humanitarian aid.
The levy will also affect imports from Nigeria and other member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), signaling a formal disruption of free trade within the West African region.
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The revenue generated from the levy will fund the activities of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a coalition initially formed as a security pact in 2023 but now pursuing broader economic integration.
Observers noted that the introduction of the import levy underscores the widening rift between the junta-led Sahel nations and democratic countries such as Nigeria and Ghana.
It follows the three countries’ decision to withdraw from ECOWAS, accusing the regional body of failing to assist them in combating Islamist insurgents despite facing severe economic sanctions aimed at restoring civilian rule.
As the new alliance pushes forward with plans for biometric passports and closer military and economic cooperation, Analysts observed that the import levy represents a crucial step in their quest for financial and political independence.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are among the world’s poorest countries, struggling with a decade-long insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
The ongoing violence has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions, and eroded public confidence in democratic governance, further fueling support for the military juntas.
Analysts say the move to impose import levies could deepen the isolation of the three countries from the rest of West Africa while testing their capacity to build an economically viable alliance amidst mounting regional tensions.
