Malians living in Ivory Coast are worried about the implications of the ECOWAS exit plan. Discover their concerns and the broader regional context.

On Sunday, Malian nationals living in Ivory Coast held a meeting in Abidjan to voice their dissent towards Mali’s scheduled departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by January.

The number of Malians residing and working in Ivory Coast is around three million, and their apprehension about the military junta’s impending ruling is growing.

Expressing concerns, Amadou Kodjo, the head of Ivory Coast’s Malian nationals’ collective said that if Mali leaves ECOWAS, it will become difficult for people like him who earn a living through cart-pushing and security jobs to get a residence permit in Côte d’Ivoire. Obtaining such permits can cost anywhere between 400,000 to 500,000 CFA francs (USD$665-832). He further added that this could make supporting themselves and sending money back home extremely challenging. This is why he has come forward to voice his opinion on the matter.

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The ECOWAS regional bloc is putting pressure on the military junta in Mali, urging them to restore constitutional law and hold presidential elections amid a standoff between both parties.

The importance of the Malian diaspora in the economy was further stressed by Sekou Maiga, who represents the group.

He expressed his worries regarding the possible consequences on the diaspora if Mali decides to pull out, inquiring about what fate would befall young Malians residing overseas.

The military junta led by Colonel Assimi Goita declared the country’s departure from ECOWAS in a letter released in January.

Furthermore, the fragile peace agreement between armed rebel groups in the northern area and the military junta is set to be terminated.