ECOWAS moves to relocate institutions from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, says the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is exploring the possibility of relocating its institutions from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic.

ECOWAS met in Accra, Ghana on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the withdrawal of the three sahelian nations from the bloc.

In a statement, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar’s special assistant on media and communications strategy, said the minister spoke at the meeting.

Tuggar said the council will also mitigate any disruptions caused by their exit.

“The Extraordinary Session follows directive from the Authority of Heads of State and Government during its 66th Ordinary Session, mandating the Council to adopt modalities and a contingency plan for the disengagement of the three Sahelian nations,” he said.

“The ECOWAS Commission is expected to present memoranda addressing the withdrawal process, suspension of programmes in the affected countries, and challenges related to the free movement of people, goods and services.

“Additionally, the Council will examine the potential relocation of ECOWAS institutions and agencies currently based in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger with an eye toward mitigating any disruptions caused by their exit.”

Tuggar had said the exit of the trio tested the unity of ECOWAS.

The exit of the three Francophone countries from the regional bloc last year was triggered by what they said were inhumane sanctions from ECOWAS after a series of coups swept across the sahelian states.

The minister said it was never the community’s wish to deliberate on the withdrawal of member states.

“In recognising the sovereignty of these nations under their current military governments, we must now adapt and chart a forward-looking path,” he added.

‘MEMBERS SHOULD COMMIT TO REGIONAL INTEGRATION’

Tuggar also asked member states to embrace institutional renewal and regional integration.

He stated that ECOWAS remains the most integrated regional bloc in Africa, underpinned by harmonised policies and shared vision for political, economic and security cooperation.

“As we look ahead, our responsibility is to maintain the ECOWAS legacy and pass it on stronger to the next generation,” the minister added.

“Our unity has been tested before and we emerged stronger. We will do so again.”

He spoke about the need for constructive deliberations and effective implementation of the withdrawal.

Tuggar reaffirmed that being a member had its privileges, and that ECOWAS remains the premier platform for tackling West Africa’s collective challenges.

He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Ghana for hosting the critical session during the ECOWAS@50 celebrations.

The minister described the commemorative activities as a timely reflection which showcases the bloc’s commitment to progress and purpose.