Malian Expatriates in Abidjan, Led by Amadou Kodjo, Express Deep Concerns Over Mali’s Planned Withdrawal from ECOWAS and Its Impact on Their Livelihoods and Residency
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
4 minutes read. Updated 1:50AM GMT Tues, 6August, 2024
A notable assembly of Malian expatriates gathered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to express their deep-seated concerns regarding Mali’s impending departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), slated for January. The potential exit has stirred anxiety among the approximately three million Malians residing and working in Ivory Coast, who fear for their future should the military junta’s decision come to fruition.
Amadou Kodjo, the prominent leader of the Malian nationals’ collective in Ivory Coast, voiced urgent concerns about the ramifications of Mali’s exit from ECOWAS. In a candid statement, Kodjo underscored the dire implications for those reliant on informal sectors such as cart-pushing and security work. He articulated his worries about the potential difficulties in securing residence permits in Ivory Coast, which cost between 400,000 and 500,000 CFA francs (approximately USD $665 to $832). Kodjo’s statement highlighted the severe economic strain this could impose, making it challenging for expatriates to support themselves and remit funds to their families back in Mali.
The military junta in Mali, under the leadership of Colonel Assimi Goita, is currently engaged in a protracted standoff with the ECOWAS regional bloc. ECOWAS has been pressuring the junta to conduct presidential elections and restore constitutional governance. The junta’s decision to withdraw from ECOWAS follows mounting tensions and has been met with significant backlash from the international community and various diaspora groups.
Sekou Maiga, a representative of the Malian diaspora group, echoed Kodjo’s concerns, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Malian diaspora in Mali’s economic landscape. Maiga raised critical questions about the future of young Malians living abroad, contemplating the broader socio-economic impact of Mali’s exit on the expatriate community.
The Malian military junta’s announcement in January, delivered through a formal letter, signaled the country’s intent to sever ties with ECOWAS. Compounding the situation, the junta has also decided to terminate the fragile peace agreement with armed rebel groups in Mali’s northern regions, further escalating regional instability.
The developments have cast a shadow over the Malian diaspora in Ivory Coast, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional politics and the lives of expatriates. As the situation evolves, the future of Mali’s relationship with ECOWAS and the implications for its nationals abroad remain uncertain.
