The military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have implemented a 0.5% levy on imported goods to fund their newly formed three-state union, following their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This levy will also apply to imports from Nigeria and other ECOWAS member countries.

Announced in a joint statement, the measure takes immediate effect and targets all imports from outside the three nations, with the exception of humanitarian aid.

The revenue generated will be used to support the activities of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a bloc that originated as a security pact in 2023 and has since expanded to include economic integration goals.

This action disrupts free trade across the West African region and underscores the growing divide between the junta-led Sahel nations and democracies like Nigeria and Ghana.

According to CNBC, the three countries accused ECOWAS of neglecting their fight against Islamist insurgents, leading them to exit the bloc despite sanctions aimed at forcing a return to civilian rule.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain among the world’s poorest nations, grappling with a decade-long insurgency by militant groups tied to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The ongoing violence has resulted in thousands of deaths, millions of displaced people, and widespread disillusionment with democratic governance.

As the Sahel countries move forward with plans for biometric passports and greater military and economic cooperation, the import levy marks a key step in their push for greater financial and political autonomy.