As trio insists on ECOWAS withdrawal Wednesday
Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, has called on ECOWAS to adopt a new approach in its dealings with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, collectively.

Speaking in Abuja during a media briefing yesterday, Mignot expressed the EU’s regret over the withdrawal of the three nations from ECOWAS, emphasising that regional integration is vital for prosperity and stability.

“It is a decision that we regret because we strongly support West African integration. Splitting does not seem to us a good idea,” he said.

Drawing parallels to the EU’s experience with Brexit, the envoy, who also doubles as Head of Delegation to ECOWAS, highlighted the importance of negotiation and dialogue in managing such exits.

“Even if you leave a regional integration arrangement, geographically you remain neighbours. You have to find new ways of coexisting and cooperating,” he explained, offering the EU’s expertise to assist ECOWAS in managing the transition.

While urging ECOWAS to pursue dialogue, Mignot noted that the EU would continue to engage with the AES countries by maintaining humanitarian aid and adapting development cooperation to focus on supporting local populations amid the Sahel’s growing security and humanitarian crises.

Mignot, who recently assumed his role as EU Ambassador to Nigeria, shared his vision for enhancing EU-Nigeria relations during the media parley.

Describing Nigeria as a “key player in Africa and the world,” he emphasised the EU’s commitment to being a reliable partner for the nation.

His priorities include fostering structured economic relations, promoting trade and investment, and focusing on sectors like the green economy, digital technology, agri-food and healthcare.

MEANWHILE, the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS is billed to take effect on Wednesday after a year of political tensions, fracturing the region and leaving the bloc with an uncertain future.

On January 29, 2024, the three countries led by military regimes formally notified ECOWAS of their desire for “immediate” withdrawal. But the texts of the West African organisation required one-year notice for it to be effective.

This will happen on Wednesday, all three countries having ignored ECOWAS’s call to extend the period by six months to try to find a solution.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are now united in a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Their military rulers accuse ECOWAS of having imposed “inhuman, illegal and illegitimate” sanctions against them after the coups that brought them to power.