WADEMOS Asks ECOWAS to Prioritize Citizens Interest, Security of Region in Post-Exit Dialogue with AES

By: Michael Mike

The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS Network), a transnational Network of CSOs, across the West African sub-region has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its proposed post-exit dialogue with the three nation of Alliance des États du Sahel (AES), Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to take the wider interest of community citizens and the security of the region a top priority

In a statement on Friday, the WADEMOS Network urged the parties to prioritize inclusive solutions in the interest of millions of citizens in the region, stating that: “The network remains convinced that regional integration is essential to meet the common challenges of our states.”

The statement read: “We further recognize the importance of the Sahel States to protect their national sovereignty while responding to the urgent needs of security, development, and autonomy in a complex geopolitical context. Indeed, economic and trade-related activities should provide deep reflection for the AES and countries in the sub-region, particularly because multilateralism offers mutual benefits for resolving cross-border challenges and promoting regional peace and security.

“In light of the above, WADEMOS Network urges the Sahel States’ leaders and ECOWAS to consider as follows:

“Following the expiry of the one-year mandatory notice of exit of member countries from ECOWAS, there are still many issues to be resolved requiring the two parties to sustain and promote dialogue and negotiation. These dialogues must consider
and reflect the wider interest of community citizens and the security of the region.

“The WADEMOS Network therefore urges the parties to prioritize inclusive solutions
in the interest of millions of citizens in the region. The network remains convinced
that regional integration is essential to meet the common challenges of our states.

“ECOWAS should undertake a comprehensive review of its revised treaty and organs and the complementary frameworks to align strategically with the current and emerging context and restore trust and confidence. The ECOWAS of Citizens, through the introduction of ECOSOC, must be integral to the future of ECOWAS.

“We, therefore, commend ongoing efforts for the formation of ECOSOC and call on
ECOWAS to accelerate the process, being the only organ yet to be constituted.
The future and sustainability of ECOWAS will largely depend on how it connects
vertically with community citizens. It is undeniable that the regional bloc requires
fundamental reforms, especially in the areas of conflict prevention, management,
resolution, peacekeeping, and security, in addition to democracy and good
governance. As a civil society intervention, WADEMOS Network will continue to
mobilize, engage, and support ECOWAS towards building a strong, democratic,
and safe region.

“We recommend a review of the ECOWAS sanction regime and response to the
Unconstitutional Change of Governments (UCG) as a tool for strengthening
compliance and respect for democratic values and principles. We urge ECOWAS
to place more emphasis on supporting member countries through the revised
frameworks to improve democratic governance, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote cross-border opportunities for addressing the youth bulge and related social threats and challenges.

“Additionally, ECOWAS institutions and member countries should remain committed to the Standby Force (SF), which has been activated for counterterrorism operations, particularly in areas affected by instability, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.”

The statement further added that: “Finally, we urge the AES to reconsider and rescind the exit decision in the interest of
ECOWAS citizens and to explore the 6-month window provided by ECOWAS as the
transition continues. While the pursuit of national sovereignty and the fight against neo-colonial exploitation are vital, cutting ties with a robust regional alliance risks undermining the significant benefits the people enjoy.

“The WADEMOS Network encourages leaders to consult their citizens more and to
integrate their concerns into the decision-making process to guarantee solutions that truly benefit the population.”

WADEMOS Asks ECOWAS to Prioritize Citizens Interest, Security of Region in Post-Exit Dialogue with AES

Tuggar: Exit of AES Countries Will Have Far-reaching Consequences for West Africa’s Security, Economy, Integration Efforts

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has warned that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will have far-reaching consequences for regional security, economy, and integration efforts.

The minister in a statement on Wednesday by his spokesman, AlKasim AbdulKadir noted that the exit of these countries from ECOWAS is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and diplomatic efforts to address the underlying concerns.

The Minister stressed that the decision to impose sanctions on these countries was a collective one made by the ECOWAS Heads of States and Government, noting that President Bola Tinubu has been working tirelessly to address the concerns of these countries through diplomatic channels.

Tuggar said: Several delegations have been sent to these countries, and the presidents of Togo and Sierra Leone have been appointed as mediators to facilitate dialogue.

“Additionally, ECOWAS has lifted sanctions on these countries, paving the way for potential reconciliation.”

Tuggar also said, the security implications of this exit are a significant concern, as the region is already grappling with terrorism and humanitarian crises.

He said: “ECOWAS has established a 1650-man strong brigade to combat terrorism and offered financial assistance to support the affected countries in their fight against terrorism.

“The economic implications are also substantial, as these countries will no longer be part of the regional economic community, potentially limiting their access to markets and hindering economic growth.”

“The withdrawal may also disrupt regional integration efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“The African Union and other international organisations have expressed concerns about the potential impact on regional integration efforts and the stability of the continent.

The Minister emphasized the need for continued collaboration and cooperation to mitigate the challenges arising from this development.

He said: “The regional bloc has also offered support to the affected countries to address their security concerns.

“We recognize the challenges faced by these countries, and we are committed to providing assistance to help them address their security concerns.”

He also said the exit of these countries from ECOWAS has also raised concerns about the potential impact on regional health organisations.

He noted that: “The West African Health Organization (WAHO) is based in Burkina Faso, and its relocation could have significant implications for the region.

He however emphasized that the door remains open for these countries to rejoin the regional bloc. “We hope that they will take advantage of this opportunity to re-engage with their West African neighbors and work towards a more stable and prosperous future for all.” He said.

While reacting to uncertainty surrounding the future of the Alliance of Sahel States(AES) countries’ relationship with ECOWAS, Tuggar said with continued diplomacy, cooperation, and a commitment to the well-being of the people, it is possible to navigate these challenges and promote a more stable and prosperous West Africa.

“The region is at a critical juncture, and the decisions made in the coming months and years will have a lasting impact on the future of West Africa.

“As such, it is essential that leaders prioritize the needs and concerns of the people and work towards finding solutions that promote peace, stability, and prosperity.

“Ultimately, the future of the AES countries’ relationship with ECOWAS will depend on the ability of leaders to work together and find common ground.”

“As President Tinubu emphasized, the door remains open for these countries to rejoin the regional bloc, and it is hoped that they will take advantage of this opportunity to re-engage with their West African neighbors.” He said.

Tuggar: Exit of AES Countries Will Have Far-reaching Consequences for West Africa’s Security, Economy, Integration Efforts

NIGERIA: UN HIGH-LEVEL MISSION VISITS BAMA, BORNO STATE, AHEAD OF FIFTH LAKE CHAD BASIN GOVERNORS FORUM

By: Michael Mike

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, the SRSG for the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr. Abdou Abarry, and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed M. Fall, have visited Bama in Borno State, a day before the kick-off of the fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum for Regional Cooperation on Stabilization, Peacebuilding, and Sustainable Development in Maiduguri.
 
The high-level officials highlighted the steady progress made in Bama. This includes joint Government, UN and partners efforts to provide internally displaced persons (IDPs) with humanitarian assistance and livelihood support and initiatives enhancing social cohesion and reintegration through social and economic activities. They also noted the challenges that remain including violence, the threat posed by the climate crisis, and inadequate basic services.
 
The officials visited a centre equipping young girls and boys with livelihood skills run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and a UNICEF-run social cohesion project at the Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS) camp. In addition, they visited a nutrition centre supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) where malnourished children are receiving treatment. The officials also spoke with women and adolescent girls at a UNHCR/GISCOR Safe Space and met with representatives of humanitarian agencies in Bama. They also paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Bama Dr. Umar Kyari Umar El-kanemi.
 
“I returned to Bama today, eight years since my last visit – which was a few months after it was liberated from the insurgency. A lot has changed since then, with marked improvement in the lives of people affected by the crisis. While there is still work to be done to address insecurity and its impact on civilians, I thank the Borno State authorities, donors, UN agencies and partners for their commitment and dedication through this journey that has made Bama what it is today. I also call for sustained support to address the remaining challenges,” said the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall.
 
Bama town remains vulnerable to attacks by non-state armed groups due to its proximity to the Sambisa Forest. This has made it difficult for communities to carry out livelihood activities, including farming, fishing and firewood collection. This has increased their dependence on humanitarian assistance.
 
Bama illustrates the situation of many communities across the Lake Chad Basin impacted by 16 years of conflict in the region.
 
The fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum will be held from 29 to 31 January in Maiduguri. It aims to foster dialogue, coordination and cross-border cooperation among state and national governments, the UN, regional economic communities, civil society organizations, and other partners to address the pressing challenges facing the region and to devise strategies for long-term stability and development.

Resources for media: Photos of the UN high-level mission to Bama, Borno State
 
Notes to editor:

• The fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum will be held from 29 to 31 Januaryin Maiduguri. It aims to foster dialogue, coordination and cross-border cooperation among state and national governments, the UN, regional economic communities, civil society organizations, and other partners to address the pressing challenges facing the region and to devise strategies for long-term stability and development.
• NIGERIA: UN HIGH-LEVEL MISSION VISITS BAMA, BORNO STATE, AHEAD OF FIFTH LAKE CHAD BASIN GOVERNORS FORUM