Member states’ exit must not harm citizens — ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has said that the ongoing withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional bloc must not affect ordinary citizens in those countries or across West Africa.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, made this statement during the ongoing first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025, in Abuja.

He reiterated the bloc’s commitment to unity, even in the face of political fractures.

“In line with the decisions of the heads of state and government, we held an emergency meeting in April to create a negotiation framework for this exit; however, we must ensure that the people of our region do not suffer the consequences,” he said.

Touray stated that the emergency session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which took place in Accra, Ghana, mapped out a strategy for negotiations with the three Sahel countries, noting that direct talks are set to begin this week.

He said the remarks come at a critical time, as the bloc marks 50 years since its founding.

“This Golden Jubilee is not just a celebration. It is a moment of reflection on how far we’ve come and what direction we want to take as a community,” he added.

Touray also announced that a summit on the future of West Africa will be held later this year, preceded by wide consultations with stakeholders across the region.

The ECOWAS Commission President called on parliamentarians to open debates on artificial intelligence, warning that if left unchecked, its negative effects could threaten the future of young people across the region.

The current parliamentary session continues in Abuja and will run until May 31.