The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed a Chief Negotiator to manage the orderly withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc, following their formal exit under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) framework.
The decision was announced in the final communique of the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held Sunday in Abuja.
According to the communique, the Chief Negotiator—supported by a Ministerial Troika, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, and a technical team—will work under a Negotiation Mandate aimed at ensuring institutional stability and safeguarding the interests of ECOWAS citizens.
“The Chief Negotiator’s role is to minimize disruptions to regional markets and maintain cooperative engagement during the transitional period,” the communique stated.
The three Sahel nations had on January 29, 2025, formally announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s leadership and accusing it of being influenced by foreign interests.
In response, ECOWAS leaders directed the Commission to initiate constructive dialogue with the countries to rebuild trust and strengthen regional cohesion.
The summit also addressed regional security threats, condemning recent terrorist attacks and reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to counterterrorism. The Authority praised member states’ security efforts and extended condolences to victims’ families.
To tackle extremism, the bloc urged the activation of the Regional Counterterrorism Force and called for a joint session of Finance and Defence Ministers to mobilize resources for the long-delayed Standby Force.
The communique also revealed plans to provide financial support to member states battling terrorism and to address the growing humanitarian crisis, including the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Additional highlights include:
· West African Police Information System (WAPIS): ECOWAS commended the system’s rollout and adopted a Supplementary Act to ensure its ownership, security, and long-term sustainability.
· Maritime Security: The bloc discussed illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Gulf of Guinea, mandating the Commission to develop a regional strategy for fisheries negotiations.
· Combined Maritime Task Force: Nigeria’s offer to host the task force’s headquarters in the Gulf of Guinea was formally endorsed.
