Groups Advocate Dialogue to Avert ECOWAS Disintegration and Restore Democracy in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso

… Emphasize Importance of Collective Reflection on Regional Achievements

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Civil Society Groups – CISLAC, WACSOF, and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have expressed deep concern over the recent decisions by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The withdrawal, according to them, poses a threat to the regional integration that has long served as a model for the African continent.

The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) strongly condemn the shift towards military rule, urging leaders to resort to constitutional measures rather than risking the disintegration of a community that has achieved significant milestones in peacekeeping, free mobility, trade enhancement, and infrastructural development.

Amidst these challenges, CISLAC, TMG, and WACSOF further appeal to the authorities of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to reconsider their withdrawal from ECOWAS, emphasizing the evident benefits of regional cooperation.

They urged military authorities in these nations to implement viable transition plans, outlining a clear path back to civil rule and the swift restoration of democratic order.

They also call for transparency and fairness in the transition process, emphasizing the importance of military authorities stepping aside to dispel concerns about personal interests.

“ Encourages the prioritization of free, fair, and credible elections to restore public trust in democratic processes. We the CSO calls on the citizens of the affected nations to actively participate in transition programs and work towards the restoration of democracy.

“ We also advocate for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger and other affected countries, citing the hardships faced by the populace, especially women, children, and vulnerable groups.

“ We urge ECOWAS leaders to operate under principles of mutual respect, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and civil engagement for regional stability.” They said.

The CSOs stress the significance of respecting each member state’s internal affairs, especially in the face of growing trans-border insecurity. They reiterate the need for sustained dialogue and civil engagement to ensure democratic stability in the West African region.

The statement was signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani),Executive Director, CISLAC, Kop’ep Dabugat ,General Secretary, West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), Najaatu Mohammed Transition Monitoring Group (TMG).