Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, have expressed optimism that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing renewed diplomatic efforts by the regional body.
The elder statesmen shared their views on Tuesday at an international conference themed “ECOWAS at 50”, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos. The event was organised in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Speaking at the conference, they urged member states to intensify efforts to reintegrate the Sahel nations, invoking the spirit of African unity and brotherhood.
The three countries formally withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, after months of diplomatic deadlock and their refusal to return to democratic governance. While ECOWAS acknowledged the withdrawal, it offered a six-month window for the countries to reconsider their decision.
Gowon, one of ECOWAS’s founding fathers, described their exit as unfortunate but commended the organisation for keeping diplomatic channels open.
“We thought the days of countries leaving ECOWAS were behind us,” he said. “Though Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have pulled out, I still believe they will return. ECOWAS has lost three members but is still standing, even if slightly shaken.”
He added that the bloc’s ongoing diplomatic efforts were steps in the right direction: “Every visit and every conversation matters. I believe they will eventually come back.”
In a light-hearted but symbolic gesture, Gowon suggested a possible name change to encourage inclusivity: “If it takes adding an ‘S’ to become ECOWASS—Economic Community of West African States and Sahel—then let’s consider it.”
He emphasised ECOWAS’s role in maintaining peace, security, and development across the region, urging continued collaboration with the Sahel countries as a sign of the bloc’s commitment to unity.
Prof. Akinyemi praised Nigeria’s quiet diplomatic approach during a recent fuel crisis in Niger, highlighting the gesture of sending 300 tankers of fuel without fanfare as an act of true neighbourliness.
“Nigeria didn’t boast. It helped quietly and respectfully. That’s the African way,” Akinyemi said, also citing the recent visit of Niger’s Foreign Minister to Nigeria as proof that relations remain intact.
“There is no doubt these countries will return. They are choosing dialogue, solidarity, and respect—the African way of resolving conflict,” he concluded.
German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Weert Börner, also addressed the gathering, warning African states against excessive reliance on Russia and urging ECOWAS to prioritise counter-terrorism and intra-regional trade.
Marija Peran, Resident Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, called for deeper integration across the region, particularly in economic governance, security, and sustainable development. She expressed concern over persistent issues such as political instability, insecurity, and cross-border crime.
Director-General of the NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, voiced confidence in ECOWAS’s resilience, predicting that the bloc would overcome its present challenges and emerge stronger within the next decade.
Other dignitaries at the conference included the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; 2023 SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; former Foreign Minister, Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd.); Mrs. Erelu Dosumu-Abiola; NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Abubakar Audi; and scholars including Prof. Olawale Albert and Prof. Bola Akinterinwa.
