Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened in Abuja yesterday to address the deepening Crisis in the Region, marked by Military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger. Amid the growing risks from Sahel Jihadist Conflicts, member States Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau reported attempted Coups in recent weeks.
To address the situation, the 15-NATION ECOWAS Bloc has decided to establish a committee of three Leaders to engage with Niger’s military junta for a transition to Democratic rule and to explore easing Sanctions.
President Bola Tinubu, the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized that the Sahel Alliance, formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso under Military dictatorship, would not weaken ECOWAS’ commitment to its Primary objective.
Concerns over Conflicts spreading south to Gulf of Guinea States have heightened following the French Military withdrawal from Sahel.
Transitions back to Democracy and Elections in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have been stalled or left uncertain.
During the Summit in Abuja, ECOWAS decided to set up a Committee involving leaders from Togo, Sierra Leone, and Benin to engage with the Niger junta for a swift restoration of Constitutional order.
The Authority aims to progressively ease sanctions on Niger based on the outcomes of this engagement.
The Niger Military junta has yet to release deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and his Cabinet since the July Coup.
ECOWAS has allowed Humanitarian activities in Niger despite Sanctions, but the Junta’s interference with these efforts is a concern.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, highlighted the Junta’s Non-remorseful stance and Interference with Humanitarian activities.
The commission maintains its stance on Zero-tolerance for Unconstitutional changes of Government in the Region.
Touray also addressed challenges with the Commission’s revenue, noting difficulties accessing the Community Levy, a critical funding source.
The Financial responsibilities of the body are increasing, especially with Member states under Sanctions ceasing to remit the levy.
The summit, chaired by President Tinubu, was attended by all heads of Member States except for Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger Republic.
Other Stakeholders included former President Goodluck Jonathan, United States lead envoy for Africa Molly Phee, African Union representative Bankole Adeoye, and UN Secretary-General Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel Leonado Simao.
