The countries in the Sahel area, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, have placed a new 0.5 percent levy on commodities brought in from the Ecowas nation.

The three recent Sahelian agreements will be the first since the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States after they left ECOWAS in January.

Additionally, until the terms of separation are fully implemented, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will have temporary access to the ECOWAS benefits of free movement of humans and goods.

However, the 5 percent tariff, which serves as a cooperative initiative aimed at imported goods from non-member states, would also include countries lacking a customs agreement.

According to a public document signed by Mali’s military chief and AES president, General Assimi Goita, the new tax will be used to fund the expansion of the regional bloc AES.

The Military Junta went on to say that the planned new income will be used to fund economic development initiatives such as public infrastructure projects and social assistance programs.

General Assimi further stated that items in transit, aid, donations, and nonrefundable subsidies are exempt from customs duty.

In a televised address, Mali’s Economy and Finance Minister Alouesseni Sanou clarified that the new levy is similar to the ECOWAS community tax and does not increase consumer burden.

The minister went on to say that the new duty is simply a transfer that will have no effect on imports or the prices of imported items.

Remember that between 2020 and 2023, the military took over Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in coups with an independence program. Sahel Junta Imposes New Tariff on Goods from ECOWAS.

The New Sahel Path

The countries in the Sahel region, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, have imposed a new 0.5 percent tariff on goods brought in from the ECOWAS nation.

The newest pact between the three Sahel states has been the first since their withdrawal from the ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States in January.

Furthermore, the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will grant them temporary access to ECOWAS benefits such as free movement of person and goods until the complete implementation of separation terms.

Also 5 percent rate, which is a joint program focusing on imported goods from member states, will also accept countries lacking customs agreements.

The AES Determination

According to a public document signed by Mali’s military chief and AES president, General Assimi Goita, the new tax will be used to fund the expansion of the regional bloc AES.

The AES president assures that the assumed revenue will be used to fund economic development initiatives such as public infrastructure projects and social assistance programs.

General Assimi further stated that items in transit, aid, donations, and nonrefundable subsidies are exempt from customs duty.

In a televised address, Mali’s Economy and Finance Minister Alouesseni Sanou clarified that the new levy is similar to the ECOWAS community tax and does not increase consumer burden.

He went on to say that the new duty is simply a transfer that will have no effect on imports or the prices of imported items.

Change In Rule

Remember that between 2020 and 2023, the military took power and control of the former ECOWAS countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso through coups with a vow to independence.