ECOWAS: Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Exit Poses Security Threat

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

In the letter they jointly signed, the CSOs said the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso 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 Centre for Democratic Development, Research & Training (CEDDART) and Hashim Tom Maiyashi, Joint-Action Committee of Northern Youth Association (JACOM).
LEADERSHIP recalls that ECOWAS had suspended Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger following military takeover of power in the three countries.
The letter obtained by LEADERSHIP said 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.

The letter dated January 31, 2024 is entitled, “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 CSOs expressed concern that ECOWAS under Tinubu’s leadership creates the perception that ECOWAS might be implementing a script influenced by external, imperialist interests, particularly from former colonial powers like France.

“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 neighboring countries.”
It reminded the president that ECOWAS had long been a platform for political dialogue, conflict resolution, and the promotion of democratic principles, adding that 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.
“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.”