DAKAR (Reuters) - A decision by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to quit West Africa’s economic and political bloc reverses decades of regional integration, leaving millions of people in limbo, and is likely to deepen the three junta-led countries’ ties with Russia.

The move to withdraw from the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) could yet take time to implement, opening a door for negotiations.

But, if carried through, it is set to disrupt the region’s trade and services flows, worth nearly $150 billion a year.

It also raises questions over millions of nationals from the three poor and landlocked nations who settled in neighbouring states as the bloc allows visa-free travel and right to work.

  • @AlpacaChariot
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    210 months ago

    Not sure if I’m just misreading you, but which party do you think was the opposition during the brexit referendum and has subsequently gained power in the UK? The Tories called the referendum and have been in power since. Hopefully we will be rid of them at the upcoming election but I wouldn’t count on it.