The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a stark warning regarding the potential economic fallout resulting from the proposed exit of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc.
In a communique released after an extraordinary summit, ECOWAS highlighted the estimated disruption to projects valued at over $500 million if the three member states were to withdraw.
The communique also shows the multifaceted implications of such a withdrawal, ranging from socio-economic and political concerns to security and humanitarian challenges.
“The authority recognises that the withdrawal will automatically affect the immigration status of the citizens, as they may be required to obtain visas to travel around the region,”
ECOWAS emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and negotiations as the primary means to address the underlying tensions driving the withdrawal discourse.
Chairman of the Authority, Bola Tinubu, in his remarks, emphasized the imperative of ECOWAS reaffirming its commitment to peace, security, and regional integration, particularly in the face of the challenges posed by the potential departure of the three member states.
“The authority urges the three member states to adhere to the provisions of the 1993 revised treaty relating to withdrawal, particularly article 91.”
“The authority encourages ECOWAS to sustain its rapprochement and overtures towards the three member states and continues to remain seized of the situation.”
Furthermore, ECOWAS announced the lifting of certain sanctions imposed on Niger Republic, Mali, and Guinea.
This included the immediate cessation of the no-fly zone and border closures, with ECOWAS citing humanitarian grounds as the basis for easing the suffering caused by these measures.
The decision to withdraw from ECOWAS was announced by the military-led governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, citing perceived inadequacies in ECOWAS’ support for counterterrorism efforts and the imposition of what they deemed as illegitimate sanctions.
In response, a spokesperson for the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, expressed Nigeria readiness for dialogue with the withdrawing countries, reaffirming ECOWAS’ enduring commitment to promoting peace, prosperity, and democratic values in the region.
The ministry lamented the lack of reciprocity in the withdrawal process, emphasizing the need for mutual engagement and cooperation to address regional challenges effectively.
“Nigeria remains open for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces,” the statement partly read.
“For half a century, ECOWAS has worked to promote peace, prosperity, and democracy in the region. Nigeria stands with ECOWAS to emphasise due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States.”
“Nigeria has worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced. It is now clear that those seeking to quit the Community do not share that same good faith.”
