The African Union (AU) On Tuesday called for dialogue between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and junta-led countries Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso following their announced decision to leave the bloc.

The departure declared on Sunday, is seen by international relations experts as a setback to ECOWAS’ regional integration goals, especially after the bloc had suspended these nations in the aftermath of coups.

The AU had previously supported ECOWAS’ initiatives to reinstate democratic governance.

For additional details, here’s Imoh Edet.