A peace-building think tank, Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), has advised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on how to prevent the permanent breakaway of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso and reintegrate them back into the community.
The executive director of PeacePro, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat, said that reintegrating the Sahel states is not a complicated task, if ECOWAS is ready to address the core issues that led to the exit of the three countries from the union.
Hamzat said ECOWAS needs to be ready to champion issues important to the three countries as articulated in their joint charter.
“ To reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into ECOWAS , it is essential that we address their core concerns by supporting their security efforts, respecting their sovereignty, and championing their vision. This reintegration should not be treated as a mere formality, but as a strategic partnership aimed at regional stability and growth,” he said.
Hamzat said that, once ECOWAS demonstrates that it is ready to integrate their vision and champion the implementation, the three countries may reconsider their decision to leave the regional bloc.
“ECOWAS should also be committed to being involved in their negotiations with France and other foreign powers to address their economic and security concerns, which are the main issues articulated by the three countries. Engaging in the Sahel states’ negotiations with foreign powers, like France, ensures their concerns are heard on the global stage. By doing so, we not only strengthen the Sahel but also reaffirm ECOWAS’ commitment to the entire region, “ he said.
Hamzat argued that trying to reintegrate the three countries for formality purposes without considering the issues driving their popularity on the continent will be counterproductive.