a departure from Mali, Niger and Burkina, after months of tension

The rumor of such a departure had already stirred the West African political microcosm in December, before the last summit of the sub-regional organization. Already very strong at the time, tensions have increased in recent weeks between the ECOWAS and Niger, the latest chapter being the failure, Thursday January 25, of a mission to Niamey of the sub-regional organization, a negotiation mission whose first trip, at the beginning of January, had been postponed by the Nigerien authorities.

After the coup d’état last July, ECOWAS harshly sanctioned the country, as it did for Mali, in 2020, following, again, the overthrow of power by the military. This summer, she even threatened the Nigerien putschists with the use of force. In turn, the three countries were suspended from ECOWAS bodies.

For many months, there has been a real dialogue of the deaf between Bamako, Ouagadougou, Niamey and the sub-regional organization, both on the subject of economic sanctions, the fight against terrorism and the return in the power of civilians.

For the three juntas, ECOWAS, “has become a threat to its member states and populations” And this “under the influence of foreign powers”. This is what they wrote in a joint press release released on Sunday evening. The rupture is therefore complete. It should be noted that this announcement comes not only on the return of a diplomatic tour by Lamine Zeine, Nigerien Prime Minister – a tour whose main stop was Moscow – but also after the free delivery, by Russia, of 25,000 tonnes of wheat to the Mali and Burkina Faso.

Towards a strengthening of the AES

The three countries now seem to be moving towards strengthening their cooperation within theAlliance of Sahel States (AES). This structure was created on September 16, first to fight against jihadist groups, but the Liptako-Gourma charter, signed between the three States, goes beyond the simple military framework, as evidenced by this collective defense clause included in the text.

Cooperation is therefore also intended to be political, diplomatic and economic. Meetings between Ministers of the Economy and Foreign Affairs of the three countries have taken place in recent months to structure the architecture of the Alliance. At the end of December, the Prime Ministers of the three countries were in Niamey to announce their desire to move forward on joint projects, particularly in terms of road and rail infrastructure.

It is rumored that in the short term, the emphasis could first be placed on air travel with the development of Ouagadougou airport. This would thus become a sort of hub for the Alliance countries.

“The withdrawal of the three ECOWAS juntas threatens our collective security”

ECOWAS says it is ready for a “ negotiated solution » after removing the Maliof Burkina Faso and Niger. The Economic Community of West African States expressed, on Sunday, its desire to break the political impasse created by the announcement of the withdrawal of these three countries, a solution yes, but on what basis?

Contacted by RFI, Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, one of the fifteen member countries of the regional bloc, is also part of the ECOWAS mediation mission in Niger. For him, this withdrawal risks destabilizing the region.

RFI: What is your reaction to this announcement?

Timothy Kabba: This is quite worrying news, although it is expected because these three countries had hinted last year that they were going to form the Alliance of Sahel States, which means that they were going to withdraw of the block. But ECOWAS will take the opportunity to ensure that these important members of our community do not withdraw and leave the community. This decision is a threat to the peace, security and stability of the entire community because these three countries are facing not only their political instability, but also terrorist groups like the al-Qaeda movement and Daesh and, therefore, it t’s a bit worrying if these countries go it alone.

But the process itself requires that any country wishing to withdraw must formally express its request to ECOWAS and which will then be examined within a year. But during this period, this State must continue to comply with its obligations. I therefore hope that the withdrawal request will be withdrawn, given that our collective security is crucial.

What measures can ECOWAS take to change the minds of these three countries?

I think the heads of state will meet and there will be an imminent summit where leaders will assess the situation and find the best solution. I believe that the best solution is a diplomatic solution. And I think that we will continue to be patient with our brothers from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to find a solution to the political impasse in which these countries find themselves.

By announcing their withdrawal, these countries accused the organization of not having supported them enough. Is this a valid argument?

No, not in my opinion. I think that ECOWAS opened the door to negotiation during the 64th summit of heads of state and government. It was clear during this meeting that the regional organization had already relaxed its travel restrictions imposed on the heads of these different governments and had also opened the way to mediation.

I was one of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs charged by ECOWAS to begin negotiations with the Nigerien authorities and unfortunately, on Thursday January 25, we were not able to go to Niger where we were expected by the Nigerien authorities. to begin discussions on the transition, because the plane rented by ECOWAS had a technical problem in Abuja and we were therefore not able to participate in this mediation mission. But ECOWAS will ensure that these important members of our community do not withdraw from the bloc.

What do these three countries represent for ECOWAS?

It should be remembered that Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso geographically represent more than half of the ECOWAS area and 15% of its population. So they are very important. There are even more serious implications because these countries are culturally and geographically linked and we have a long history of cooperation and interdependence. So I think it would be a good thing if we found a way out of this impasse.

Do you fear that other countries could follow in the footsteps of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso?

I am not convinced that other countries will side with these three countries and choose to leave ECOWAS. The world is facing a myriad of challenges ranging from climate change to terrorist and violent insurgencies and any nation would want to be part of an organization that will face these endless challenges.

Does being part of ECOWAS still have meaning today?

I think ECOWAS is still relevant. I speak as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone. I am aware of the contribution of ECOWAS to the restoration of democracy and peace in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Gambia, and I therefore think that ECOWAS has the tools to bring these countries together and fight for the common good of our region.

I think these three countries deserve to be heard and I think their people deserve to live in peace and under constitutional rule. This is therefore the role that we will play as a collective within the community to ensure that these countries respect the constitutional order and we will join our efforts with those of our brothers in the Sahel in the fight against terrorism .

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