Let’s Not Allow Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Withdraw -Boakai Asks ECOWAS Leaders Dissuade Defecting Member States

MONROVIA: The withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and the formation of what they call the “Confederation of Sahel States” has sent shock waves and nervousness across the global community, particularly within the region. Some pundits are predicting not only the beginning of an eventual disintegration of the 50-year-old ECOWAS but also the rise of extremely ominous times for stability and peace. Liberia, represented by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the just ended 65th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, is not pleased with this development. As The Analyst reports, Boakai, in his statement at the Summit, urged his ECOWAS counterparts to take urgent steps to discourage the withdrawal of the three countries which were expelled by the regional body over the military ouster of democratic rules in their respective countries.

Liberian president Joseph Boakai has been drumming up support for ECOWAS’ engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to dissuade them from withdrawing from ECOWAS.

In a statement delivered at the 65th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the Liberian leaders expressed Liberia’s readiness to actively join the ECOWAS Authority’s mediation efforts to facilitate the return of the three member states to the fold of ECOWAS, showing support for maintaining peace and prosperity in the region.

Early this year, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the regional economic bloc which they accused of “inhumane” sanctions to reverse the coups in their nations.

They said in a joint statement last January that they “decided in complete sovereignty on the immediate withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”

They also accused ECOWAS of moving “away from the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism”.

“Furthermore, ECOWAS, under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has become a threat to its member states and its populations whose happiness it is supposed to ensure,” their statements read.

But Bokai said in his speech it was urgent that ECOWAS sustained its engagement with the three countries for their return to the regional organization and avert the consequences of insecurity and disintegration.

In another development, President Boakai announced Liberia’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-27 period.

He sought ECOWAS’ support and underlined Liberia’s commitment to championing the causes of post-war developing states in addressing pressing issues such as migration resulting from terrorism, conflict, and climate change.

He also made Liberia’s case on democracy and good governance at the 65th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Boakai expressed gratitude for the warm reception and support extended to him and his delegation and thanked his colleagues for their congratulations and unwavering support following his inauguration as the 26th President of Liberia.

He also appreciated his eminent counterparts for recognizing Liberia’s democracy and peaceful transition as a beacon of hope in the region and reaffirmed the Country’s commitment to working with all member states and development partners to promote Liberia’s agenda for sustainable development on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050, aimed at improving the living standards of the people.

The President expressed optimism for a highly productive outcome of the 65th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and extended his best wishes to all participants for a fruitful outcome.

Meanwhile, the Liberian Chief Executive joined other ECOWAS Leaders to unanimously endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria for a second term as the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu appointed the Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his Special Envoy to mediate in reversing the decision of the three member states (Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso) to withdraw from ECOWAS.

The date and venue of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government will be announced later.