Abuja, Nigeria – The recent summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held from 15 to 17 December 2024, marked a significant turning point for the 15-nation bloc. Confronted with unprecedented challenges, the organisation faces the voluntary departure of three member states—Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—amid escalating tensions over governance, security, and regional stability.
By Nthabi NEO Lesufi, Journalist
AfricaHeadline.com
Under the stewardship of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the summit reaffirmed ECOWAS’s dedication to its core principles of democracy and economic cooperation, while grappling with the pressing realities affecting its member states in crisis.
In January 2024, the military juntas in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS, accusing the bloc of imposing “inhumane and irresponsible” sanctions in response to coups in their countries. The juntas criticised ECOWAS for prioritising punitive measures over meaningful engagement to address the deep-rooted security crises afflicting the Sahel region.
This development represents a pivotal moment for ECOWAS, which has historically served as a stabilising force in West Africa. In his closing remarks, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray highlighted the bloc’s commitment to reconciliation:
“The authority decides to set the period from 29 January 2025 to 29 July 2025 as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period.”
This transitional framework provides a diplomatic opportunity to reintegrate the suspended states while holding them accountable for restoring constitutional order.
The decision by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to leave ECOWAS reflects broader issues challenging the bloc, including a disconnect between governance norms and the realities on the ground.
Security Challenges: The three nations are at the epicentre of the Sahel, where extremist insurgencies have displaced millions and undermined state authority. The juntas claim their coups were necessary to stabilise their countries in the absence of effective civilian governance.
Sanctions and Sovereignty: ECOWAS’s swift imposition of economic sanctions following the coups was perceived as an infringement on sovereignty, exacerbating already fragile economies.
Distrust of Regional Institutions: The juntas have accused ECOWAS of aligning with external powers, particularly France, and prioritising foreign interests over the welfare of member states.
Despite their announced withdrawal, ECOWAS has extended an olive branch to the three nations, emphasising the importance of a structured return to democracy. Transition deadlines were established as follows:
Mali: Elections to be held by 29 January 2025. Burkina Faso: Transition deadline set for 30 June 2025. Niger: Constitutional order to be restored by 29 July 2025.
During the summit, leaders underscored the need to address systemic issues such as insecurity, poverty, and governance failures, which have fuelled dissatisfaction across the region. Key resolutions included:
Enhanced Security Cooperation: Joint military operations and intelligence-sharing initiatives to counter extremist threats in the Sahel.
Economic Solidarity: Renewed commitment to intra-regional trade and economic recovery in vulnerable states.
Diplomatic Engagement: Acknowledgement that dialogue, rather than isolation, is key to achieving lasting stability.
The departure of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso poses a significant test for ECOWAS as it seeks to redefine its approach to governance and security. While maintaining its stance against unconstitutional changes in power, the Abuja summit showcased the bloc’s readiness to adapt to the region’s shifting geopolitical landscape.
The next six months will be critical. The transition deadlines provide an opportunity to rebuild trust and reaffirm ECOWAS’s role as a champion of regional unity and stability.
As ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray aptly noted, the bloc must balance firmness with diplomacy to secure a prosperous and democratic future for West Africa.
