THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a call for reconciliation following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the bloc, emphasising the importance of dialogue and unity in addressing regional challenges.
The statement comes in the aftermath of an extraordinary session of ECOWAS’s Mediation and Security Council held in Abuja, Nigeria, where Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, expressed concerns over the decision of the three Sahel countries to exit the bloc.
Tuggar remarked, ‘The choice of these three countries to exit ECOWAS would not only bring hardship to their people but also undermine regional integration efforts. We must carry forward the momentum generated in this session and continue our efforts to engage with the concerned member states in the spirit of understanding and reconciliation.’
The decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS, announced last month, has raised significant regional concerns. Founded in 1975, ECOWAS has facilitated visa-free travel and residence for citizens across its 15 member countries, fostering economic and social integration.
According to the bloc’s treaty, member states intending to withdraw must provide a one-year written notice. However, the three countries have indicated that they will not adhere to this requirement.
Tensions between ECOWAS and the departing countries have been escalating, particularly after the bloc imposed stringent sanctions following military coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (July 2023).
Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, reiterated the bloc’s commitment to upholding the democratic aspirations of its citizens amidst these challenges.