….as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Withdraw from the regional body
It is no longer news that the military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This unprecedented disintegration of the 50-year-old bloc, established in 1975 to foster economic integration and political stability, poses significant questions about the future of regional cooperation and security in West Africa.
Background of the Withdrawal
The decision to leave ECOWAS was announced by the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all currently under military rule following a series of coups from 2020 to 2023. The juntas cited ECOWAS’s “inhumane” sanctions and perceived lack of support in the face of security threats like terrorism as primary reasons for their exit. This action follows months of tension, culminating in the formation of a new alliance, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), aimed at establishing a security and economic union independent of ECOWAS.
Impact on Regional Integration
ECOWAS was founded with the goal of promoting economic integration, enhancing living standards, and maintaining economic stability across its 15 member states. The departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which are not only significant in terms of geography but also share longstanding historical ties, has raised concerns about the bloc’s ability to achieve these objectives.
The exit disrupts several initiatives aimed at facilitating trade, such as the ECOWAS common passport and the planned monetary union. Adib Saani, a foreign policy and security analyst, highlighted the potential economic fallout, noting that without ECOWAS, “businesses would come to a halt” due to the reintroduction of visa requirements and cumbersome border procedures that could impede the free movement of goods and people.
Security Implications
One of the most palpable effects of this disintegration is on regional security. The Sahel region, where Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are located, has been a hotbed for jihadist activities. ECOWAS’s role in coordinating regional forces against these threats has been crucial. The creation of the AES, which includes a plan for a 5,000-strong joint military unit to combat terrorism, indicates a new approach to security but also underscores the fragmentation of what was once a cohesive regional response to shared threats.
Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, has warned that the region faces “the risk of disintegration” and heightened insecurity. The departure of these countries could disrupt intelligence sharing and collaborative efforts in combating terrorism, particularly as foreign military presence, like that of France and the United States, has diminished or been expelled from the region.
Geopolitical Shifts
The withdrawal is not just a regional matter but also has significant geopolitical implications. There’s an evident pivot in foreign relations, with the juntas seeking closer ties with countries like Russia, which has been more welcoming and less critical of the coups. This shift is part of a broader trend in the Sahel where anti-French sentiment has grown, leading to a re-evaluation of traditional alliances.
The Russian mercenary group Wagner’s presence in Mali and reported Russian military cooperation with Burkina Faso signal a changing security landscape. This realignment could alter the balance of power in West Africa, potentially affecting international efforts to stabilize the region.
ECOWAS’s Response
In response to this crisis, ECOWAS has expressed disappointment and is developing a contingency plan to address the fallout. At a recent summit in Abuja, Nigeria, ECOWAS leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who was reappointed as chair, called for new partnerships and a more vigorous approach to the region’s challenges. The bloc has also appointed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as a special envoy to mediate the crisis, leveraging his rapport with younger leaders and shared criticisms of Western influence in Africa.
The Future of ECOWAS
Analysts like Fidel Amakye Owusu argue that while ECOWAS’s protocols on condemning coups have not deterred military takeovers, the organization must not be blamed entirely for regional instability. The crux of the issue, according to Owusu, lies in addressing the root causes of insecurity and governance failures within member states.
The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS might serve as a wake-up call for reforms within the bloc. Calls for ECOWAS to adapt to contemporary realities have grown louder, with suggestions ranging from revisiting its approach to coups to enhancing its economic and political support mechanisms. The bloc’s future will likely hinge on its ability to reform, regain trust, and demonstrate tangible benefits to its remaining members.
Public and International Reaction
Public sentiment in West Africa is mixed. While some see the withdrawal as an assertion of sovereignty against external pressures, others are concerned about the potential isolation and loss of benefits from regional integration. Internationally, the situation is watched closely, with implications for aid, investment, and security cooperation. The European Union and other partners have expressed concerns about the stability of the region, emphasizing the need for dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
Conclusion
The possible disintegration of ECOWAS, at least in its current form, will mark a significant moment in the history of West African regionalism. While many citizens of the member countries have really not seen the benefits of belonging to this body over the years, the Political class still believe that it is a useful union. With leading countries like Nigeria having internal problems that revolve around bad governance, corruption and undue external interference, it is not likely that the citizens of the current member countries will be too concerned either way.
If ECOWAS will truly receive the acceptance and support of its people, it must begin to show that its purpose is the betterment of the lot of West Africans and not just the politicians and their pay masters.