A civil society organization, the Conference of Civil Societies and the Civil-Military Cooperation Center (Cimico), has expressed concern about the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso of the Economic Community of the States of Western Africa (Ecowas ).
The group said that the withdrawal entails deep security, economic and humanitarian implications for the subregion of the people of Western Africa. Cimico added that the action will affect the exchange of intelligence, the regional anti -terrorist efforts and security initiatives specially coordinated as the multinational joint task force (MNJTF).
The group coordinator, Dr. Adams Otakwu, while heading to the press conference in Abuja on Saturday, said that the departure of the three countries, in one way or another, can contribute to governance challenges, creating inexplicable regimes and more setbacks to democratic stability.
“We express a deep concern for the formal withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger of the Economic Community of the States of Western Africa (Ecowas). This decision entails deep security, economic and humanitarian implications for the people of the region.
“The three countries are first -line states in the fight against terrorism and their withdrawal interrupts the exchange of intelligence, regional anti -terrorism efforts and coordinated security initiatives such as the Joint Multinational Task Force (MNJTF).
“A fragmented security architecture runs the risk of exposing these states and the largest region of Western Africa to greater threats of violent extremism, migrants and political disorder trade.
“In addition, the game can contribute to governance challenges, potentially creating inexplicable regimes and more setbacks to democratic stability. The economic repercussions of this withdrawal cannot be overlooked. As members of Ecowas, these countries benefited from a harmonized commercial system, including the common external rate and preferential access to the African continental trade area (AFCFTA).
“Its departure introduces economic uncertainty, with potential increases in tariffs, inflation and interruptions to cross -border trade and financial services. In addition, its position in the global financial system could be negatively affected, given its status on the Gray Gray list of the Financier Action Task Group (FATF). Without Ecowas membership, they run the risk of the exclusion of critical financial regulatory frameworks, affecting investment tickets, economic stability and long -term development perspectives.
“The withdrawal of these three nations threatens the ongoing regional assistance programs and could exacerbate poverty and human suffering. In addition, there is a risk of hostility towards migrants from Malaian and Burkinabé in neighboring countries such as Ghana, Ivory and Senegal coast, further increasing social tensions. At a time when regional solidarity is needed more, the disconnection of the Ocowas places the life and well -being of millions at risk.
“We urge the Ecowas and the leadership of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to seek a continuous dialogue in the spirit of regional integration, peace, security, good governance and inclusive development. We remember the past reconciliation efforts, including the Peace Forum and Reconciliation in Lomé and interventions by religious leaders, as vital precedents on which it must be built ”.
However, Otakwu asked the regional leaders to ensure that their decisions reflect the collective aspirations of the people, while asking the Sahelian states to restore responsible government structures that restore confidence and cooperation within the region.
The presentation of Otakwu, the executive director of Community Watch Initiative (CWI), David Acheme, said that the game clearly interrupts the mechanisms established for security coordination, joint military initiatives and the exchange of intelligence.
“We know that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have been central to anti -terrorist operations and their departure interrupts the mechanisms established for security coordination, joint military initiatives and intelligence exchange.
“Without a unified approach, the region faces greater exposure to insurgent activities, illicit cross -border movements and governance breakdown. This change also threatens institutional responsibility, potentially promoting a government without control and further complicating efforts to defend democratic principles in Western Africa, “Acheme said.
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