President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has emphasized that the decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from the regional bloc must not negatively impact the citizens of those countries or the broader West African region.
Dr. Touray made this declaration during the first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025, currently taking place in Abuja, Nigeria. He underscored the bloc’s continued dedication to regional unity, even as it navigates significant political challenges.
“In accordance with the resolutions passed by the Heads of State and Government, we convened an emergency meeting in April to establish a framework for negotiating the withdrawal process,” Touray said. “However, our top priority remains ensuring that the people of our region do not bear the brunt of these political shifts.”
He revealed that the ECOWAS Council of Ministers had previously met in Accra, Ghana, to formulate a negotiation strategy for engaging with the three Sahel nations. According to him, direct dialogue with representatives from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger is scheduled to begin this week.
Touray’s comments come at a pivotal moment as ECOWAS commemorates its 50th anniversary. He described the Golden Jubilee as more than a celebration—it is an opportunity to reflect on the bloc’s achievements and to chart a strategic path forward.
Looking ahead, he announced plans for a high-level summit on the future of West Africa, which will be preceded by inclusive consultations with stakeholders across the region.
