- Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are reportedly considering re-engagement with ECOWAS within the six-month transition window
- President Bola Tinubu will present a detailed report on the situation during the 46th AU Summit in Addis Ababa
- President Tinubu has emphasised Nigeria’s diplomatic approach to resolving the political crises in the three countries
Several West African countries that had previously announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following military coups are reportedly considering re-engagement with the regional organisation.
The six-month window for reconsideration, which was established in December 2024, has prompted some of these nations to take steps toward reconciling with ECOWAS, according to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
The revelation comes as President Bola Tinubu departs Abuja for the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s (AU) Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, scheduled for February 12 to 16, 2025.
During the event, President Tinubu, in his role as ECOWAS Chairman, will present a comprehensive report on the bloc’s handling of the situation concerning the departing nations.
In January 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS, citing the bloc’s failure to uphold its founding principles and its acquiescence to external pressures.
The withdrawal followed a series of military takeovers in these countries, Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023, which led to their suspension from ECOWAS and the imposition of sanctions aimed at reversing the coups.
In response, the three countries formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a new regional grouping focused on defence and mutual support while distancing themselves from their traditional Western allies, particularly France, and strengthening ties with Russia.
At the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in December 2024, the bloc approved the withdrawal of the three countries, effective by January 29, 2025.
However, the decision included a six-month transition period, set to conclude on July 29, 2025, during which the countries involved can reconsider their positions and re-engage with ECOWAS.
Dare confirmed that at least one or two of the countries might choose to rejoin the organisation within the transition period.
“While the formal process of their departure is nearly complete, we are aware that some of these countries are exploring the option to realign with ECOWAS under the terms offered,” Dare explained.
President Tinubu will have the opportunity to update the AU on the matter during the upcoming summit in Addis Ababa. The countries that withdrew from ECOWAS are also expected to attend.
During a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in December, Tinubu expressed Nigeria's commitment to seeking diplomatic solutions to the political crises in the three countries, emphasising that the innocent populations should not bear the brunt of military-led governments' actions.
As of February 2024, ECOWAS consists of 12 member states: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Dare also highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence on the continent, pointing out that a Nigerian national will soon assume a commissioner role on the AU’s Peace and Security Commission.
He described this as a significant achievement resulting from President Tinubu’s foreign policy initiatives.
Additionally, as the term of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the current Nigerian President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), nears its end, other nations will seek Nigeria's support in the selection of a successor.
According to Dare, it will be difficult for any candidate to secure the position without Nigeria’s endorsement.
Describing the AU Summit as Africa's equivalent of the United Nations General Assembly, Dare stressed the importance of the 46th General Session and the 38th meeting of AU Heads of State and Government, where President Tinubu will lead Nigeria’s delegation in Addis Ababa.
ECOWAS launches digital certificate of origin to boost regional trade
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) introduced the electronic Certificate of Origin in Lagos, marking a significant step toward enhancing regional trade.
The groundbreaking initiative aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which is to simplify and accelerate cross-border trade across Africa.