A peacebuilding think tank based in Nigeria, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has counsel the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on how to prevent the permanent break away of the 3 Sahel states of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso and reintegrate them back into the community.
In a statement by the Executive Director of PeacePro, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the group said that reintegrating the Sahel states is not a complicated task, if ECOWAS is ready to address the core issues that led to the fracture.
According to Hamzat, ECOWAS needs to be ready to champion issues important to the 3 countries as articulated in their joint charter.
Hamzat said, To reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the ECOWAS community, it is essential that we address their core concerns by supporting their security efforts, respecting their sovereignty, and championing their vision, adding that this reintegration should not be treated as a mere formality, but as a strategic partnership aimed at regional stability and growth.
Hamzat further explained that, once ECOWAS can demonstrate that it is ready to integrate their vision and champion the implementation, the three countries will likely reconsider their decision to leave the regional bloc.
“ECOWAS should also be committed to being involved in their negotiations with France and other foreign powers to address their economic and security concerns, which is one of the main issues articulated by the 3 countries” Hamzat said, noting that engaging in the Sahel states’ negotiations with foreign powers, like France, ensures their concerns are heard on the global stage. By doing so, we not only strengthen the Sahel but also reaffirm ECOWAS’ commitment to the entire region. He said.
He argued that, trying to reintegrate the 3 countries for formality purposes without putting into consideration, issues driving their popularity in the continent is a counter productive strategy.
According to him, ECOWAS should pay attention to the mood of the continent, not just the 3 breakaway countries and develop strategies that will endear the organization to the people and members, instead of just trying to win back the break aways.
“By taking these steps, ECOWAS can demonstrate its commitment, not just to the 3 Sahel states’ concerns and vision, paving the way for their reintegration into the regional community, but also winning back trust of the people of the continent and leading the region out of the current state of despair” Hamzat concluded
