Banjul, May 2, 2025 – (©AfreePress) – The sixth delocalized session of the ECOWAS Parliament concluded in Banjul, The Gambia, on May 2, 2025, with a resounding call for the reintegration of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into the regional bloc. Over five days, West African parliamentarians engaged in intensive discussions, culminating in resolutions aimed at restoring unity and bolstering regional integration.
A plea for reconciliation
The session, themed : « Assessing the Implications of Member State Withdrawals on Regional Integration, » focused on the recent departures of the three Sahel nations from ECOWAS. Honorable Veronica Kadie Seesay, co-chair of the ECOWAS Parliament’s joint committee, delivered an impassioned appeal : « We have also experienced war in Liberia and Sierra Leone and have seen what ECOWAS can do for peace. Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, we need you. I implore you, come back home. When our states are in crisis, it is women and children who suffer the most. Let us be together and work. We are here as a team. I appeal to you as a committee chair, as a mother. We need you. Come back to us, come back to ECOWAS. »
Strategic engagement and dialogue
In response to the withdrawals, the ECOWAS Parliament announced plans to establish an ad hoc mediation committee. This committee aims to engage with stakeholders in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to encourage their return to the community. The initiative underscores the Parliament’s commitment to dialogue and reconciliation as cornerstones of regional stability.
Addressing security concerns
The session also highlighted the security ramifications of the withdrawals. ECOWAS officials expressed concerns over the potential impact on regional counter-terrorism efforts, noting that the three countries have been significant beneficiaries of ECOWAS’s anti-terrorism initiatives. The Parliament emphasized the necessity of maintaining cooperation in intelligence sharing and joint military operations to combat the persistent threat of terrorism in the Sahel region.
Economic and social implications
Lawmakers discussed the broader economic and social consequences of the departures. The exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger reduces ECOWAS’s population by approximately 76 million people and significantly diminishes its geographical coverage. Concerns were raised about the potential disruption to trade, free movement, and the rights of citizens from the departing countries within the ECOWAS framework.
A call for inclusive integration
The Parliament reiterated the importance of inclusive integration, advocating for the active participation of women, youth, and community leaders in the reconciliation process. It also called for collaboration with institutions like the African Union to facilitate dialogue and support the reintegration of the Sahel states.
As the session concluded, the ECOWAS Parliament adopted a motion of gratitude to The Gambia for its hospitality and logistical support. The Parliament’s resolutions reflect a steadfast commitment to unity, peace, and the collective progress of the West African region.
Olivier ADJA
