THE MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has expressed sadness over the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from ECOWAS.
The three countries formally renounced their membership of ECOWAS to form Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Tuggar told reporters on Thursday in Abuja that the exit of these three countries would have far-reaching consequences on regional security, economic stability, and integration efforts.
He stressed that their withdrawal required careful consideration and diplomatic efforts to address underlying concerns and prevent further instability in the region.
According to him, ECOWAS Heads of State collectively decided to impose sanctions on these countries, but President Bola Tinubu is working tirelessly to resolve the situation.
“Several delegations have been sent to these countries, while the presidents of Togo and Sierra Leone have been appointed as mediators to facilitate dialogue.
“Additionally, ECOWAS has lifted sanctions on these nations, paving the way for potential reconciliation and future cooperation within the bloc,” he said.
Tuggar highlighted the security risks posed by their departure, as the region is already struggling with terrorism and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
He noted that ECOWAS had established a 1,650-strong brigade to combat terrorism and provided financial aid to help affected countries strengthen security efforts.
“The economic consequences are also significant, as these nations will no longer benefit from regional trade agreements, potentially hindering their economic growth,” he added.
He warned that their withdrawal could disrupt regional integration efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The African Union and other international organisations have expressed concerns about the impact on regional stability and economic cooperation,” Tuggar said.
The minister emphasised the need for multilateral collaboration to mitigate the challenges arising from this development and maintain regional stability.
He also raised concerns about how their exit could affect regional health organisations, particularly the West African Health Organisation (WAHO).
“WAHO is based in Burkina Faso, and its potential relocation could have significant implications for healthcare cooperation in the region,” he explained.
Tuggar expressed hope that the affected nations would re-engage with West African neighbours to work toward a more stable and prosperous future.
On the uncertainty surrounding the future of the AES countries’ relationship with ECOWAS, he remained optimistic about a possible resolution.
“With continued diplomacy, cooperation, and commitment to the people’s well-being, it is possible to navigate these challenges and foster regional stability.
“The region is at a critical juncture, and decisions made now will shape the future of West Africa for years to come,” he said.
He urged leaders to prioritise peace, stability, and prosperity, stressing the importance of collective action to overcome these challenges.
“As President Tinubu has emphasised, the door remains open for these countries to re-join ECOWAS. It is hoped they will seize the opportunity to reconnect,” Tuggar said. (NAN)
