French Countries’ Withdrawal Sparks Concerns of Imminent Extinction for ECOWAS, Experts Warn

As Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso officially withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), International Relations experts are sounding alarms, predicting a dire future for the regional organization.

In a joint statement on Sunday, the military-led nations expressed dissatisfaction with ECOWAS, citing its failure to support their efforts against terrorism and insecurity, coupled with allegations of imposing illegal sanctions. Colonel Amadou Abdramane, the Niger junta spokesman, emphasized that ECOWAS had strayed from the ideals of its founding fathers after 49 years.

Former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Bola Akinterinwa, and the acting Director of Research and Studies at NIIA, Efem Ubi, asserted that the withdrawal was foreseeable, highlighting ECOWAS’s shortcomings in addressing the root causes of military coups within the region.

Professor Akinterinwa criticized ECOWAS’s lack of focus, identity crisis, and dependence on foreign influences, emphasizing that the organization no longer reflects its original purpose. He stressed that the withdrawal is indicative of ECOWAS’s failure and urged a diplomatic approach to negotiations.

Ubi concurred, stating that the withdrawal signals the potential extinction of ECOWAS. He urged ECOWAS to engage in diplomatic negotiations with the departing countries, addressing the root causes of military coups rather than the symptoms. Ubi highlighted the risk of superpower rivalry undermining ECOWAS and emphasized the leaders’ calls for territorial sovereignty and autonomy in managing their affairs.

As ECOWAS faces this significant setback, experts emphasize the need for strategic diplomacy and introspection to salvage the regional organization from further depletion and ensure a cohesive response to the challenges confronting West Africa.