ECOWAS Seeks Unity Among Member States, Says Mali, B’Faso, Niger’s Exit Hasty

As Foreign Affairs Ministers of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) meet to deliberate on how to move ahead after the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the bloc, the ECOWAS Commission President, Alieu Touray, has said the exit of the three countries was not well thought out.

Noting that now is the time for unity among all member states, he explained that there is no challenge that ECOWAS cannot overcome with the cooperation of members.

Also for deliberation at the extraordinary session of the mediation and security council at ministerial level is the announced postponement of Senegal general election.

Speaking at the opening session of the meeting, Touray said the meeting will consider the notification of withdrawal of the three countries and their wider implications.

Touray reminded the gathering that ECOWAS is not an institution but a community, insisting that the claims given by the countries had no real basis and were hasty.

Touray said: " Despite our collective efforts to create a conducive and peaceful environment for our community citizens, the facts on the ground show that we still have some more work to do collectively.

"Excellences, while we were hoping to make more progress on transitions in terms of elections this year in these countries, it is really sad to note the unfortunate turn of events, as three member States – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger –announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS “with immediate effect” through a joint-communiqué signed by representatives of all three countries on January 28, 2024.

"The hasty decision of withdrawal of membership of ECOWAS did not take into account the conditions for withdrawal of membership from ECOWAS, as espoused in the 1993 ECOWAS revised treaty.

"But more importantly, the three Member States have not really reflected on the implications of this decision on the citizens."

He therefore said the extraordinary session should look into the wider implications of the withdrawal for the concerned member states and the community at large.

Touray also condemned the postponement of the Senegal's general elections, saying "these unfolding events in the region are posing threats to peace and political stability in our community."

AU Commission Chairperson who was represented by Bankole Adeoye said the withdrawal was a setback to the vision of integration of the region.

Adeoye described it as trying times for the sub-region, adding that the AU Commission was convinced that the countries will continue to dialogue and cooperate with ECOWAS.

In his opening remarks, Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said the meeting provided the opportunity to carefully assess the challenges presented by the decision of the military rulers to arbitrarily withdraw from ECOWAS, with all the potential implications for the lives of their people, and indeed for the community as a whole.

"We are also here to review the unfolding situation in Senegal and develop a plan to navigate the resulting complexities. We have faced similar crises in the past. As a region, we have not been found wanting.

"There are high expectations out there, from ordinary people as well as our partners in the international community, that this meeting can come up with far-reaching decisions to transform our challenges into opportunities.

“It goes without saying that we are stronger, together. As a community, we project not just our common values and a more attractive market," he said.