ECOWAS: Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso’s Withdrawal Poses Security Threats, CSOs Warn Tinubu

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Northern Nigeria have written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) poses a significant security threat.

According to the CSOs, in the letter they jointly signed, the withdrawal of these countries poses a direct threat to the collaborative efforts required to combat regional security challenges. The letter to the president was signed by Kabiru S. Chafe of Arewa Research & Development Project (ARDP); Abubakar Siddique Mohammed of the Centre for Democratic Development, Research & Training (CEDDART), and Hashim Tom Maiyashi of the Joint-Action Committee of Northern Youth Association (JACOM).

The letter, obtained by LEADERSHIP, states that Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, particularly Mali and Niger, are critical in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, given their geographic positioning and the nature of cross-border security threats.

Dated 31st January 2024 and titled “Your Excellency, Upholding Regional Solidarity and Nigerian National Unity: An Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on ECOWAS Challenges and Domestic Policy Concerns,” the groups mentioned that they had previously expressed deep concerns in their correspondence to the president dated 5th August 2023 regarding the potential dangers and implications of military intervention and the imposition of economic sanctions on the Niger Republic by ECOWAS.

“In that letter, we underscored the delicate balance required in addressing regional conflicts and the importance of diplomatic engagements over military actions or economic penalties. We emphasised the need for ECOWAS to pursue strategies that would uphold stability, encourage dialogue, and promote economic collaboration, rather than resorting to measures that could exacerbate tensions or lead to further destabilisation of the region. Despite the well-thought-out suggestions offered to prevent the disintegration of the regional bloc, it appears that ECOWAS, under your chairmanship, has not fully heeded these recommendations.

“Today, as we address you in this current open letter, it is apparent that the concerns raised previously resonate with the ongoing challenges within ECOWAS, particularly the recent withdrawals of the Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the bloc.

“The current trajectory of ECOWAS under your leadership raises serious concerns. It creates the perception that ECOWAS might be implementing a script influenced by external, imperialist interests, particularly from former colonial powers like France. This is really troubling. Such external influences, if true, could compromise the integrity, autonomy, and objectives of ECOWAS, potentially leading to decisions that do not align with the collective interests of West African nations. The perception that ECOWAS is being swayed by external, non-African influences undermines the confidence of member states in the organisation’s ability to prioritise and protect African interests,” the letter said.

The group emphasised that it is crucial for ECOWAS to remain a body driven by the aspirations and needs of its member states, free from the undue influence of external powers. “The strategic decisions and policies of ECOWAS should reflect the collective will of West African nations, aimed at fostering regional integration, peace, and security.

“One of the most pressing issues needing serious attention is the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, a battle that is intrinsically linked to the stability and cooperation within the ECOWAS region. The withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso poses a direct threat to the collaborative efforts required to combat regional security challenges. These countries, particularly Mali and Niger, are critical in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, given their geographic positioning and the nature of cross-border security threats. Their departure from ECOWAS not only weakens the regional security framework but also leaves Nigeria more vulnerable to the spillover of instability and terrorist activities from these neighbouring countries.

“The decision of the Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks a critical juncture in the history of our region. It has significantly altered the political landscape of West Africa, with multifaceted repercussions extending far across political, economic, security, social, and diplomatic spheres. Understanding the depth and breadth of these implications is essential for devising a strategic response that upholds the integrity and objectives of ECOWAS.

“Your Excellency, ECOWAS has long been a platform for political dialogue, conflict resolution, and the promotion of democratic principles. The departure of these three states weakens this platform, potentially leading to a reduced capacity for collective action and a diminished global voice for the region. The absence of these nations from ECOWAS deliberations creates a gap in representation, undermining the organisation’s inclusivity and legitimacy. It also sets a concerning precedent that could encourage other member states facing internal or external pressures to consider similar actions, further eroding the unity of the bloc.

“”Economically, the departure of these countries threatens the vision of ECOWAS as a unified market. The region’s collective economic growth has been underpinned by policies promoting
free trade, harmonised tariffs, and economic convergence criteria. With their withdrawal, not only is the economic integration process disrupted, but the affected countries also risk losing out on the benefits of collective bargaining, shared infrastructure projects, and regional trade
agreements. This disruption could lead to increased economic isolation for these countries, potentially exacerbating existing economic challenges and stalling development efforts.
Moreover, the uncertainty generated by these withdrawals may deter foreign investment, both in the departing states and the region as a whole.

“Security in West Africa has been a perennial challenge, with issues ranging from terrorism and insurgency to transnational crime and piracy. ECOWAS has played a crucial role in addressing
these challenges through collective security mechanisms, joint military interventions, and peacekeeping missions. The withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso poses a significant
risk to regional security architectures. These countries, located in a region already beset by security challenges, are crucial to the collective security framework. Their exit could lead to a
fragmentation of regional security efforts, making it more challenging to respond effectively to security threats, and potentially creating safe havens for extremist and criminal groups,” the group said while urging Tinubu to act fast before it is too late.