… Stakeholders Urge for Open Dialogue on the Return of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali
As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) approaches its 50th anniversary, various stakeholders are urging for urgent and comprehensive reforms within the organization.
This appeal was made during a high-level forum held in Abuja on Wednesday, organized by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS). The forum was themed: ‘ECOWAS @ 50, Reform or Disintegrate: Which Pathway for the Regional Bloc?’.
In his presentation, CDD Senior Fellow Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim discussed ECOWAS’s historical contributions to enhancing democracy and integration in West Africa. He cautioned that recent events, such as military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea, present serious challenges to the unity of the bloc and require immediate attention.
He stated, “ECOWAS has played a crucial role in strengthening democracy in our region. However, the rise of unconstitutional governments threatens the unity and progress we have made.”
Ibrahim emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue with the Sahelian nations that have experienced coups, advocating for their reintegration into ECOWAS through a renewed commitment to democratic values.
He also pointed out the region’s economic difficulties, noting that West Africa now has one of the largest populations living in poverty worldwide.
He highlighted that many ECOWAS member countries struggle to create sustainable job opportunities, especially for the youth, which leads to frustration and instability. He remarked, “The dream of independence—access to education, opportunity, and self-determination—has faded. This broken promise is now manifesting as terrorism, displacement, and increased poverty.”
The regional organization has faced criticism for not effectively including community voices in the decision-making processes of ECOWAS and for not fully implementing the principles of constitutional convergence in its structures and institutions.
“On a global scale, which includes ECOWAS, we are witnessing ongoing attacks on multilateral institutions. This trend is part of the strategy used by authoritarian leaders who disguise their actions under the idea of sovereignty,” said Osei-Kuffour.
