By Harriet Tornguvan
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, issued a stern warning to Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali regarding their decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This move follows ECOWAS's insistence on restoring democratic governance in these countries.
In January 2024, the three nations announced their sovereign decision to exit ECOWAS, accusing the organization of failing to support their fight against terrorism and insecurity while imposing sanctions they deemed "illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible."
During the opening of the 2024 first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Touray emphasized that this withdrawal could disrupt freedom of movement and exacerbate regional insecurity. He highlighted that the withdrawal would undermine security cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism efforts, including the ECOWAS standby force, the Accra Initiative, and the Multinational Joint Taskforce.
Touray also warned that these countries could face diplomatic and political isolation, losing support for international positions within the African Union, the United Nations, and other bodies. Additionally, citizens of these countries would need visas for travel within the sub-region and might face restrictions on residency and business operations under ECOWAS frameworks.
The President further pointed out that the withdrawal would necessitate the discontinuation of ECOWAS passports, biometric identity cards, and regional automobile insurance. Economically, this could halt or suspend projects worth over $500 million, with significant investments from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD) at risk.
Institutionally, the withdrawal would lead to the closure of several ECOWAS regional offices and affect the job security of approximately 130 staff members from the three countries.
Touray emphasized that these potential consequences prompted the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, led by President Ahmed Tinubu, to initiate dialogue with the withdrawing nations to preserve ECOWAS unity. He lamented the lack of cooperation from the transitional governments, noting that only Guinea responded positively to an invitation to send representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament.
Touray reaffirmed the ECOWAS Commission's commitment to maintaining regional unity and encouraged continued engagement with the transitional countries.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sen. Barau Jibrin, underscored the importance of unity, innovation, and a shared vision in overcoming regional challenges. He highlighted West Africa's rich history of collaboration and urged the ECOWAS Parliament to harness this spirit to achieve collective goals.
