ECOWAS Engages Third Parties to Address Dispute with Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

• ECOWAS enlists third-party mediators to resolve differences with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, lifting financial sanctions while encouraging dialogue
• Ambassador Musah emphasizes the importance of finding common ground with the three countries and highlights their significance in addressing regional challenges

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has revealed its efforts to resolve differences with three key members—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—by enlisting the support of third-party mediators.

Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, disclosed this development during a press conference held at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja on Friday.

While affirming the lifting of all financial and economic sanctions imposed on the three countries, Ambassador Musah emphasized the need to deploy additional measures to encourage them to remain within the ECOWAS bloc.

He stated, “Various engagements are underway, facilitated by ECOWAS and third parties, to reach a consensus with these countries. We must find common ground, considering the significant roles these countries play within ECOWAS.”

Ambassador Musah highlighted the importance of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in addressing regional challenges such as terrorism and promoting the free movement of people across borders. He reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to fostering dialogue and resolving disputes to maintain regional cohesion.

Addressing the three countries’ establishment of a joint security outfit to combat jihadist groups, Ambassador Musah welcomed the initiative, underscoring ECOWAS’ support for efforts to enhance security in the region. He clarified that establishing the security outfit does not signify their withdrawal from the regional bloc.

Furthermore, Ambassador Musah reiterated Article 91 of the ECOWAS revised Treaty of 1993, which grants member countries a one-year grace period to address issues leading to their withdrawal from the bloc. He emphasized ECOWAS’ dedication to resolving issues within this timeframe to uphold regional unity and strength.

The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS on January 28. In response, ECOWAS lifted economic sanctions imposed on the countries on February 24, following extensive deliberations by regional leaders during an extraordinary summit on political, peace, and security matters in the sub-region.