Leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are currently meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to discuss political and economic issues affecting the sub-region.
Gatekeepers News reports that one of the key topics of discussion is the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic from the bloc.
The three countries announced their withdrawal from the sub-regional group following ECOWAS’ condemnation of the unconstitutional takeover of power in those countries. The leaders at the meeting will examine ways to address this issue and ensure the unity of the community.
Recently, Retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon called for a quick resolution of the various issues threatening the unity of the community, emphasizing that differences should not be allowed to disrupt the noble intentions of the founding fathers of ECOWAS.
The leaders will also address the political situation in Senegal, where President Macky Sall recently declared that he would not run for an unconstitutional third term in office in the 2024 general elections. This decision ended bouts of unrest in Senegal since 2021 in which dozens had been killed.
ECOWAS had been working towards a return to democratic rule in the three countries that withdrew from the sub-regional group and frowned at any lengthy democratic transitions.
The Mediation and Security Council of ECOWAS has urged the aggrieved nations to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation in resolving their differences with the community.
