Lomé, December 14, 2024 – (©AfreePress) – In a context marked by growing geopolitical tensions, the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has, through a communiqué, expressed its desire to extend the deadline for the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which is set for January 29, 2025.
Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the ECOWAS Parliament Bureau called for an exceptional measure that would allow Heads of State and Government to open new negotiations. The aim is to preserve the integrity of the regional organization while finding a concerted solution with these three member states.
This request is part of a dialogue-driven approach aimed at preventing the fragmentation of ECOWAS, a historic organization that plays a central role in the economic and political integration of the West African region.
“It is imperative to allow more time to facilitate in-depth and constructive discussions, in order to avoid a definitive rupture that could weaken our common achievements,” the communiqué emphasized.
The current ECOWAS President, Bola Tinubu, expressed optimism about a favorable resolution. According to him, despite their declared desire for emancipation, the three countries can rejoin the community, provided that the discussions are conducted with “wisdom and diplomacy, placing the interests of the citizens at the heart of the process.”
ECOWAS, which is going through a delicate period, is counting on the extension of this deadline to consolidate diplomatic efforts and reconnect with the principles of regional solidarity. For the Parliament, this exceptional measure is essential to preserve the unity of the community and ensure the socio-economic stability of the concerned states.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are the notable absentees from the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. Since Friday, December 13, the foreign ministers of the organization’s member states have been meeting behind closed doors in Abuja to prepare the agenda for the Heads of State conference, which will be held at the Nigerian presidency on Sunday, December 1.
Olivier ADJA
