As political realignments shake West Africa’s regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged that the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the union must not negatively impact the citizens of the affected countries or the broader sub-region.
Speaking at the first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025 in Abuja, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, emphasized that while the withdrawal process is underway, the bloc remains resolutely committed to unity and the protection of human welfare.
“In line with the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, we convened an emergency session in April to formulate a negotiation framework for the exit. However, it is crucial that this political development does not become a humanitarian crisis,” Touray said.
The withdrawal of the three Sahelian nations — a decision announced earlier this year — followed military takeovers and a gradual distancing from regional cooperation structures. While the reasons for their departure include grievances over ECOWAS sanctions and perceived foreign influence, Touray insists that citizens must be insulated from potential economic or diplomatic fallout.
“West Africa’s strength lies in its people,” he stressed. “This golden jubilee of ECOWAS is not only a time to reflect on our achievements but to recommit to ensuring our integration project protects and uplifts every West African, regardless of political disputes.”
To mitigate risks associated with the exit, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers convened in Accra in April to chart out negotiation steps. Touray revealed that direct diplomatic talks with the governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to begin this week. The goal is to define a transition process that preserves economic partnerships, free movement of people, and regional security mechanisms.
In a forward-looking initiative, Dr. Touray announced that a major “Summit on the Future of West Africa” will be held later in the year. The summit aims to bring together government leaders, civil society organizations, youth, academics, and international partners to redefine the vision for West African integration.
“As we turn 50, this community must reimagine its path — one that prioritizes peace, inclusive governance, and economic resilience,” Touray added.
Amid geopolitical concerns, Touray also called on lawmakers to initiate discourse on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential threats. According to him, while AI offers development opportunities, its unregulated use could destabilize societies, especially in youth-dominated regions like West Africa.
“Artificial Intelligence is a double-edged sword. It can drive innovation or deepen inequality. If we do not act now, it may endanger the very future we seek to build for our young people,” he warned.
Regional analysts commend ECOWAS for maintaining dialogue with the breakaway nations. Dr. Idris Salisu, a governance expert at the Centre for Regional Policy Development, says the Commission’s emphasis on people-centric diplomacy is vital. “History has shown that regional disintegration, if mismanaged, can lead to isolation, economic collapse, and conflict. ECOWAS must balance firmness with empathy,” he noted.
Similarly, Amina Sanogo, a civil society advocate from Mali, expressed hope that the negotiations would focus on maintaining the ECOWAS passport, trade access, and student mobility for Sahelian nations.
As ECOWAS celebrates 50 years of regional integration, it is confronted with one of its greatest existential tests. The voluntary withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger challenges the bloc’s cohesion. However, the Commission’s insistence that citizens must not be penalized offers a reassuring message: that the future of West Africa must be built on people-first diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and the preservation of regional unity.