Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, a key figure in the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called upon the regional bloc to revoke the sanctions imposed on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.
In an open letter addressed to the Heads of State and member nations of ECOWAS, Gowon made his recommendation on Wednesday. The ECOWAS, a 15-nation organization founded in 1975 to foster economic integration among member states, has recently faced challenges due to military takeovers in the region. These include events in Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger last year.
In response to the military coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, ECOWAS imposed various sanctions on these countries, demanding a return to democratic governance. These sanctions encompassed measures such as border closures, suspension of financial transactions, and freezing of assets held in foreign banks.
In defiance of the sanctions, the military juntas in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS on January 27. They accused the regional bloc of deviating from the founding principles and ideals of pan-Africanism, asserting that ECOWAS had become a threat to its member states. Subsequently, the three countries formed a new alliance called the Alliance of Sahel States.
ECOWAS had extended an invitation to Gowon to address the crisis and provide guidance at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday. However, the former Nigerian head of state did not attend.
In his letter to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, Gowon expressed his sadness regarding the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic from the organization. He then put forth a three-pronged recommendation to resolve the crisis.
“I have observed with deep concern and sorrow the recent developments unfolding in the West African sub-region, specifically the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States,” Gowon wrote. “As one of the founding members of our regional economic community, it is my duty to speak on behalf of the 14 Heads of State and Government who joined me in Lagos on May 27, 1975, to establish ECOWAS.”
Gowon highlighted the significant achievements of ECOWAS, including trade liberalization, the right of West Africans to reside lawfully in any member country, and successful peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone. He emphasized that despite its imperfections, ECOWAS had become a model for regional integration across the continent.
Expressing concern about the potential disunity within ECOWAS resulting from the announced withdrawals of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, Gowon urged the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, including the leaders of the three countries, to set aside their differences and work towards the peace, stability, and prosperity of the sub-region.
Regarding the way forward, Gowon called upon all West African leaders to immediately consider lifting the sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger. Furthermore, he appealed to the three countries to withdraw their notice of departure from ECOWAS. Gowon recommended that ECOWAS convene a summit of all 15 member state Heads of State to discuss the future of the community, regional security and stability, and the role of the international community in the current geopolitical context.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, assured Gowon that he would distribute the letter to all ECOWAS Heads of State. He stated, “Your message carries profound significance. I have taken note of your appeal and recommendations. An extraordinary summit has been scheduled to take place in Abuja on Saturday, during which the Heads of State will thoroughly consider your message.”