The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has proposed the appointment of an Adhoc Mediation Committee to persuade Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three member states that withdrew from the regional bloc earlier this year, to reconsider their decision and rejoin the ECOWAS community.
The Acting Speaker of the Parliament, Barau Jibrin, announced this initiative during the opening of the 2024 Second Extraordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Kano State.
Jibrin, who is also the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, emphasized the need for a strong and united regional bloc. To facilitate this goal, he proposed the establishment of an Adhoc Mediation Committee tasked with engaging stakeholders in the affected countries and promoting dialogue to resolve conflicts and restore unity.
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“I will, in consultation with my colleagues on the Bureau, be proposing the appointment of an Ad hoc Mediation Committee whose mandate will be to work with all stakeholders in getting our brothers to rescind their decision and come home and work towards promoting dialogue with a view to resolving conflicts in the region. It’s no doubt that we are stronger and there is absolutely no alternative to our collective aspirations of a united, peaceful and secure ECOWAS,” he said.
Jibrin’s proposal follows the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS after being suspended from the bloc due to coup d’état incidents. Despite calls for a return to democratic rule, the three countries, led by the junta, opted to form a new confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The countries were suspended from the regional bloc for carrying out a coup d’état last year that usurped their respective constituted governments from power. Jibrin’s announcement adds to the Parliament’s earlier proactive approaches to addressing this rift and fostering reconciliation within the region.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s extraordinary session aims to deliberate on pressing regional issues and provide fresh perspectives on promoting peace, security, and stability. Jibrin highlighted the Parliament’s role in promoting democracy, checks and balances, and accountability within the ECOWAS community. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Parliament and the ECOWAS Commission to strengthen regional security and development initiatives.
He said: “As the Parliament looks towards facilitating the promotion of democracy, checks and balances, as well as accountability in the ECOWAS Community, having a strong ECOWAS Parliament is indispensable. I have had the esteemed honor of leading this Parliament for barely two months and I have concluded that much needs to be done in terms of asserting the independence of the Parliament in the exercise of its important roles of parliamentary oversight and representation.
“There is, also, a compelling need to build strong collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and undertake joint initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security and advancing development. While it is true that each institution has its unique prerogatives, the fact remains that there exist cross-cutting issues that are best addressed with enhanced collaboration among the community institutions.”
Jibrin also addressed the absence of the Togolese delegation in the Parliament, noting efforts to ensure their representation and uphold the institution’s integrity. He announced the impending inauguration of the Togolese delegation, which is expected to contribute to the Parliament’s mandate.
Insights and Recommendations from Members
Sen. Ali Ndume, a seasoned member of the regional parliament, expressed optimism about the mediation efforts, noting that the conditions for the returning members to rejoin the ECOWAS fold are now favorable. He emphasized the importance of addressing past grievances and fostering reconciliation to rebuild trust among member states.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State highlighted critical regional challenges, including citizenship issues, security threats, environmental concerns, and economic development. He urged the Parliament to prioritize initiatives that enhance regional integration, combat illicit activities, and promote economic growth.
Government Support and Collaboration
The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the ECOWAS Parliament and fostering regional integration. He noted the Parliament’s role in engaging member countries experiencing unconstitutional changes of government and promoting cooperation among ECOWAS institutions.
Tuggar stated, “We need to collaborate with all organs and institutions within the ECOWAS. You have at your disposal so many instruments to use for you to achieve that.”
He described the hosting of the regional meeting in the commercial city of Kano as important as it will greatly bridge the gap between the citizens and the regional community.
While the ECOWAS Parliament’s proactive measures to mediate the reintegration of member states demonstrate its commitment to preserving regional unity and stability, there is doubt that its efforts will yield the expected results. This is because the aggrieved member states seem unwavering in their determination to form a new confederation as well as alliances with Russia as a figurehead. This determination, underscored by the growing apathy for France’s exploitative grip on its former colonies in the Sahel, is backed by the countries’ public.