The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in reconciling with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which are now led by military juntas.
ECOWAS commission president, Oumar Touray emphasized the urgency of reconciliation efforts at the start of a summit in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, warning that the region faces disintegration and worsening insecurity after the three countries formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and signed a confederation treaty.
This treaty highlights the juntas’ determination to leave the nearly 50-year-old ECOWAS and sever military and diplomatic ties with Western powers while seeking stronger relations with Russia.
“The Authority expresses disappointment with the lack of progress in engagements with the authorities of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger and instructs the President of the Commission to facilitate a more vigorous approach,” ECOWAS stated in a communique released on Monday. However, ECOWAS plans to develop a “forward-looking contingency plan” for all potential outcomes in relations with the AES.
The juntas in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali came to power through a series of military coups between 2020 and 2023. It remains unclear how closely the AES will harmonize political, economic, and defense policies as they confront a decade-long battle with Islamist insurgents and strive to grow their economies, which are among the world’s poorest.
Their departure could weaken ECOWAS, and Touray noted that the bloc’s freedom of movement and common market of 400 million people are under threat.
ECOWAS re-elected Nigerian President Bola Tinubu as chairman for another year and tasked the leaders of Senegal and Togo with negotiating with the juntas to bring them back into the bloc.
Additionally, ECOWAS leaders approved the decision to mobilize a 5,000-strong regional standby counter-terrorism force, starting with a 1,650-man brigade that will be increased over time. Member countries are expected to fund the force and will seek financial support from the African Union.
