Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, expressed concern over Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s reluctance to reengage with the regional bloc. Speaking at the 92nd Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in Abuja, Dr. Touray highlighted the challenges ECOWAS faces following these countries’ announced withdrawals on January 28.
The military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger cited various grievances for their decisions. Despite ECOWAS’s efforts, including softened sanctions and invitations to technical meetings, there has been little progress in negotiations. Dr. Touray emphasized the absence of a framework for dialogue with these nations.
In contrast, there have been some positive developments with Guinea, another member state experiencing political instability. Dr. Touray acknowledged changes in the international system impacting ECOWAS member states and proposed a Special Summit on the Future of the Community. This summit aims to re-evaluate governance, external partnerships, community norms, values, and approaches to emerging issues like new technologies, social media, and fake news.
Dr. Touray also raised concerns about ECOWAS’s financial health, noting the increasing demands and complex challenges the region faces. He highlighted the need for urgent and decisive action to improve the financial situation and enable ECOWAS to meet these demands.
Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, echoed these concerns while opening the session. He stated that the meeting would address various pressing issues affecting the region, including the President’s 2024 ECOWAS Mid-Year Report, financial updates, and resolutions from the 35th Administration and Finance Committee. Key presentations, such as the Auditor General’s 2024 Mid-Year Report and the outcome of the 55th Meeting of the Audit Committee, will provide valuable insights into ECOWAS’s financial health.
