Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and former Minister of International Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, have expressed optimism that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will return to the Financial Neighborhood of West African States following renewed diplomatic efforts by the regional bloc.
Talking at a global convention titled “ECOWAS at 50” held on Tuesday on the Nigerian Institute of Worldwide Affairs in Lagos, the elder statesmen urged member nations to strengthen efforts to carry again the Sahel nations, emphasising African unity and brotherhood.
The Nigerian Institute of Worldwide Affairs hosted the convention in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
On January 29, 2025, the three Sahel nations formally withdrew from ECOWAS after months of diplomatic tensions and their refusal to revive democratic governance.
Though ECOWAS accepted their withdrawal, it supplied a six-month interval for them to rethink.
Gowon, who helped discovered ECOWAS, known as the exit deeply unlucky however praised the regional organisation for sustaining open channels for reconciliation.
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“We had thought the period of nations leaving ECOWAS was over,” he mentioned. “Sadly, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger determined to exit. Nonetheless, I don’t lose hope. ECOWAS has misplaced three out of 15 members, however ECOWAS remains to be standing—even when barely truncated.
“With ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed toward peaceable dialogue, I’m assured we are going to achieve wooing them again. Each motion and each go to being made is a step towards their eventual return,” Gowon mentioned.
In a goodwill gesture towards inclusivity, Gowon even steered altering the organisation’s title if it will assist carry again the Sahel states.
“If what it takes is so as to add one other ‘S’ to develop into ECOWASS—Financial Neighborhood of West African States and Sahel—then so be it,” he quipped.
He emphasised that ECOWAS should proceed specializing in peace, safety, and residents’ welfare, including that the bloc’s willingness to work with the Sahel nations reveals its dedication to regional concord.
Akinyemi praised Nigeria’s quiet diplomacy, significantly throughout a current gasoline scarcity in Niger, when the Nigerian authorities reportedly despatched 300 gasoline tankers to assist the neighboring nation.
“Nigeria didn’t grandstand. It acted quietly, serving to a neighbour with out making them lose face. That act of brotherhood paved the way in which for renewed engagement,” Akinyemi mentioned.
He additionally pointed to the current go to of Niger’s International Minister to Nigeria as proof that relationships stay lively.
“There isn’t a doubt in my thoughts that these nations will return. They’re embracing the African manner of fixing issues—dialogue, solidarity, and respect,” he added.
Additionally talking on the occasion, German Consul Basic in Lagos, Mr. Weert Börner, warned African nations in opposition to turning into too depending on Russia for safety and improvement.
He inspired ECOWAS to keep up give attention to preventing terrorism and enhancing commerce inside the area.
The Resident Consultant of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Marija Peran, known as for stronger integration throughout the area, particularly in financial governance, safety, and sustainable improvement.
She expressed concern about ongoing political instability, insecurity, and cross-border crime affecting West Africa.
The NIIA Director-Basic, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, expressed confidence that ECOWAS would overcome its present challenges and develop stronger within the subsequent decade, noting the organisation’s historical past of resilience.
Different notable attendees included the Secretary to the Lagos State Authorities, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; 2023 SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; former International Minister, Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd.); Mrs. Erelu Dosumu-Abiola; NSCDC Commandant-Basic, Dr. Abubakar Audi; and students together with Prof. Olawale Albert and Prof. Bola Akinterinwa.
