At its 66th Summit, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) addressed the security, political and socio-economic challenges hindering regional integration.
The withdrawal of countries from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was the focus of critical discussions, with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye renewing his commitment to facilitate their reintegration.
The supreme body of the Economic Community of West African States held its 66th summit on Sunday, December 15. Discussions focused on the security, socio-economic and political issues hindering regional integration. On this occasion, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to far-reaching reforms to address these challenges.
Among the major issues discussed was the announced withdrawal of member countries from the Alliance of Sahel States. On this issue, Benin’s Foreign Minister, Oleshegun Adjadi Bakari, pointed out that “the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State took note of the decision of our sister countries (of the AES) and gave itself six months to organize the implementation, with the possibility of returning during this period.”
To continue negotiations with the AES, ECOWAS has renewed its confidence in Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was already mandated in July 2024 to lead the talks.
As part of this mission, the Senegalese President will soon visit the countries concerned to encourage their reintegration. This move is also in response to a request from the European Parliament, which recommended an extension of the deadline for the countries’ withdrawal from ESA, initially set for January 29, 2025.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, all members of the AES, had announced their intention to leave ECOWAS last January, denouncing an organization they considered to be under French influence. However, a sign of appeasement appeared on Saturday, December 14, with the announcement by these countries that they would open their borders to ECOWAS nationals.
AC/lb/as/APA