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  • UPDATED: ECOWAS lifts economic sanctions on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso

    UPDATED: ECOWAS lifts economic sanctions on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on Saturday, resolved to lift some of the sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali and Guinea, in response to unconstitutional change of government in the countries. 

    President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, who announced this while presenting the communique issued at the end of an Extraordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS,  however clarified that political and targeted sanctions are still in force against the countries. 

    The ECOWAS had imposed a long list of sanctions on the military junta in Niger in July 2023, following the hijack of government of the country and incarceration of the democratically elected President, Mohammed Bazoum. Mali and Burkina Faso had earlier been hit by other ranges of sanctions before the episode in Niger Republic. 

    However, the three countries had on January 28, 2024, announced the withdrawal of their membership of the ECOWAS organization, alleging that the regional body had come under foreign influence, had turned it into a threat to member-states.

    They had also on the 16th of September, 2023, announced the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, a counter-regional organization, said to be a mutual defense pact among the countries.

    Guinea, another member-state of the ECOWAS organization, which has been under a military rule since September 2021, also experienced a panic incidence on Monday when its Military Ruler, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, dissolved his cabinet and ordered borders shut.

    He said while the political and targeted sanctions on Niger Republic remain, the regional bloc lifted some financial and economic sanctions on Guinea and some targeted sanctions on Mali.

    Touray said the decision is based on humanitarian considerations especially because of the month of Lent and the approaching month of Ramadan.

    In the communique as read by ECOWAS Commission’s President, the Authority demanded the release of former President Mohammad Bazoum.

    “The Authority calls for the immediate release of his excellency Mohammed Bazoom, former President of the Republic of Niger.

    “The Authority also calls on the transition authorities in Niger to provide an acceptable transition timetable to the constitutional order.”

    On sanctions, Touray said the Authority resolved to lift with immediate effect the following measures imposed on the Republic of Niger: “Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger to be lifted, no Fly Zone of all commercial flights to and from Niger is to be lifted and suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger is to be lifted.”

    The Authority, he said, also resolved that the “freezing of all service transactions including utility services is to be lifted.

    “Freezing of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central banks is to be lifted.

    “Freezing of assets of Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks is to be lifted.

    “Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions particularly ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and BIRD is to be lifted.

    “Travel ban on the government officials and their family members is also to be lifted.”

    The President of the ECOWAS Commission said: “This decision is based on humanitarian considerations especially as we are in the month of lent and as we prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.

    “The Authority has also resolved to lift the sanctions regarding the recruitment of Malian citizens in statutory and professional positions within ECOWAS.

    “The Authority has also resolve to lift financial and economic sanctions on the Republic of Guinea.

    “The Authority has also instructed the President of the Commission to invite Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Guinea, to attend the technical and consultative meetings of ECOWAS as well as all security related meetings.

    “The authority calls on ECOWAS institutions, member states the United Nations Mine Action Office (UNMAO) and other regional institutions to implement this decision.”

    On the withdrawal of the three countries, Touray said “the Authority noted the notifications by the three member states within the context of Article 91 of the 1993 ECOWAS revised treaty and urged the countries to reconsider the decision in view of the benefits that the ECOWAS member states and their citizens enjoy in the community.

    “The Authority expresses its concern over the socio economic, political, security and humanitarian impact of the decision, particularly on the citizens of the three countries and on the regional integration process.

    “The Authority further urges the three member states to resort to dialogue, negotiations and mediation to address their concerns.

    “The Authority urges the three member states to adhere to the provisions of the 1993 revised treaty relating to withdrawal particularly article 91.

    “The Authority encourages ECOWAS to sustain its rapprochement and overtures towards the three member states and continue to remain seized of the situation.

    “The Authority or just ECOWAS to engage African Union, UNMAO,  UN and other international organizations in its dialogue with the three countries.

    “The Authority encourages a broader outreach, which should include traditional, religious leaders, eminent personalities, civil society and women leaders for the unity and security of the regional.

    “The Authority reiterates the urgent need for ECOWAS to expedite the operationalization of the standby force in its kinetic mode to fight against terrorism in the region including the elements of the Multinational Joint Task Force, and the Accra initiative.

    “In this regard, the Authority instructs its commission as soon as possible to convene the meeting of ministers of finance and defense to propose modalities for financing and equipping counterterrorism force.

    “The Authority further instructs the commission to develop an effective communication strategy in engaging member states and the community citizens in view of the ongoing disinformation and misinformation that put ECOWAS in a bad light.

    “The Authority expresses its gratitude to His Excellency General Yakubu Gowon, for his interest in the welfare of the community and his valuable suggestions.

    “The Authority takes note of the end of President Mackey Sell’s term of office on April 2, 2024. And commends him for the tremendous development he has realized as President of Senegal, and for his invaluable leadership in Africa and the world.

    “The Authority calls on Senegalese stakeholders to give priority to dialogue with a view to preserving the democratic gains of Senagal, through a free, inclusive and transparent elections.

    “The leaders underscored their commitment to Africans’ sovereignty, independence and unity. In this regard, the Authority appeals to all partners to respect African countries sovereignty and independence and avoid interferences that risk destabilizing member states and adversely affect regional unity.”

    Touray said the Authority commended President Bola Tinubu, and chair of the ECOWAS Authority for convening the extra ordinary summit and for the manner in which he has been conducting the affairs of the community, as chair of authority.”

    When asked if the lifting of these sanctions will not suggest ECOWAS as weak and incentivies others with similar tendencies, he said “now, let me make it very clear what I have listed is not exhaustive. Political sanctions have not been lifted. Border closures have been lifted. And commercial sanctions have been lifted. But there are targeted sanctions as well as political sanctions. That remain in force.

    “I think our sanctions regime should be assessed correctly. The list I have given relates mainly to Niger because all the other countries still have political sanctions on them. 

    “So the border closures, the commercial sanctions and all that are on leisure and that is what the leaders have decided to lift. But individual sanctions as well as political sanctions remain in place in Niger. 

    “Now for other countries, political sanctions remain. That is the limited ability to attend ECOWAS Summit as well as ministerial sessions”, he explained

    The Authority also lifted sanctions on Guinea, inviting all four  countries to attend technical consultative meetings of ECOWAS going forward.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu presides over ECOWAS Authority’s Extraordinary Summit

    Highlighting the various implications of the planned withdrawal by the three countries from the community, he noted that besides losing economic, security and development benefits that accrue to members states, there will also be personal loses to nationals of the countries across the region.

    According to him, pulling out of the community might result in the halt or the suspension of all ECOWAS projects and programmes worth more than $500 million, various regional projects being executed by the region’s financial institutions, worth about $321.6 million may be halted, while they may be exited from the regional electricity market, known as the West African Power Pool project.

    He also said besides the countries losing national benefits within the region, citizens of the countries, about 130 of them, who are employees of the ECOWAS, will lose their job to the exit of their countries from the community, just as seven regional entities with offices in the countries would also need to be shut down.

  • BREAKING: ECOWAS suspends economic sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, Guinea

    BREAKING: ECOWAS suspends economic sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, Guinea

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has removed the economic sanctions imposed on Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea.

    The decision was adopted on Saturday, February 24, in Abuja during the extraordinary summit on the political, security, and peace conditions in the ECOWAS subregion.

    Read Also: FULL TEXT: President Tinubu’s speech at the ECOWAS Authority’s Extraordinary Summit

    The regional bloc, however, said the political and targeted sanctions remain.

    Details shortly…

  • Reconsider your exit plan, we’re not your enemy, ECOWAS tells Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

    Reconsider your exit plan, we’re not your enemy, ECOWAS tells Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

    The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has advised three military-ruled West African nations that recently announced their exit from the community to reconsider their decision.

    During an Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Commission on the region’s political, peace, and security situation, held at the State House in Abuja, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, serving as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, emphasized the importance of cooperation among member states. 

    He urged departing countries not to perceive the organization as an adversary.

    Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, three of the nations currently under military rule in the West African region, had on January 28, 2024, announced their withdrawal of their membership of the ECOWAS organization, alleging that the regional body had come under foreign influence, had turned it into a threat to member-states.

    The trio had on the 16th of September, 2023, announced the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, a counter-regional organization, said to be a mutual defense pact among the countries.

    Guinea, another member-state of the ECOWAS organization, which has been under a military rule since September 2021, also experienced a panic incidence on Monday when its Military Ruler, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, dissolved his cabinet and ordered borders shut.

    The three nations had lost their democratically elected governments to coup d’etat, a development rejected by the ECOWAS Authority and led to the body announcing sanctions against the military juntas in the countries.

    However, reading his welcome address on Saturday, President Tinubu emphasized the reason for the entire region to continue to stand together, collaborating on economic integration, democracy, and human rights, with a view to achieving sustainable development across the region. 

    President Tinubu remarked that the outcome of the meeting would be guided by the memorandum to be presented by the chairman of ECOWAS Commission who would give the leaders and update on the situation in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, three countries that recently announced their pull out from the bloc. 

    “Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Guests, let me underscore that these challenges, though daunting, present an opportunity for ECOWAS to reaffirm its commitment to the vision of our founding fathers and the principles underpinning our commitment to peace, security, and regional integration. We must stand united in our resolve to promote economic integration, democracy, and human rights, with a view to fostering sustainable development across all our member states. 

    Read Also: FULL TEXT: President Tinubu’s speech at the ECOWAS Authority’s Extraordinary Summit

    “Times like we currently face in our sub region demand that we take difficult but courageous decisions that put the plight of our people at the centre of our deliberations. Democracy is nothing more than the political framework and the path to addressing the basic needs and aspirations of the people. 

    “This is why we must re-examine our current approach to the quest for constitutional order in four of our Member States. I therefore urge them to re-consider the decision of the three of them to exit their home and not to perceive our organization as the enemy because we are not the enemy”, he said.

    Other leaders present at the event were President  Macky Sall of Senegal, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire; President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray; President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo: President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana; 

    Also at the summit were Vice President of the Gambia, Muhammad Jallow; President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic and President Umaro Embalo Siseco of Guinea Bissau.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu presides over ECOWAS Authority’s Extraordinary Summit

    JUST IN: Tinubu presides over ECOWAS Authority’s Extraordinary Summit

    President Bola Tinubu and other heads of state and government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are currently holding an Extraordinary Summit at the State House, Abuja.

    The ongoing ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit focuses on the political, peace, and security situation in the region.

    President Tinubu, who is the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, is leading talks on developments within and around member-states that have fallen under military rule.

    It would be recalled that at various times, Mali, August 2020; Burkina Faso, September 2022; and Niger, July 2023, all experienced military coups and were sanctioned by the ECOWAS Authority, a step that had escalated hostility within the region.

    Headquartered in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the nearly 50-year-old bloc consists of 15 countries.

    However, the military-led juntas of Burkina-Faso, Mali, and Niger, in late January, announced their withdrawal over “illegal sanctions” harming their people.

    They also alleged that the bloc had fallen under the influence of foreign governments whose interests, they said were far from the people’.

    In July 2023, the regional bloc approved the “Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger. Freeze all service transactions, including energy transactions.”

    Read Also: NDLEA officers appreciate Tinubu’s support for drug war -Marwa

    It froze assets of the Republic of Niger in Aqua Central Bank and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.

    It also took similar steps when Mali and Burkina-Faso fell under military rule.

    Although ECOWAS’s rules mandate a withdrawing member state to issue one year’s notice, the junta declared their secession as immediate. It was the first withdrawal nearly 24 years after Mauritania pulled out in December 2000.

    On February 15, ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic announced plans to establish a confederation.

    Details shortly…

  • ECOWAS leaders meet in Abuja over political, economic development

    ECOWAS leaders meet in Abuja over political, economic development

    ECOWAS leaders are currently meeting in Abuja to discuss political and economic issues concerning the sub-region.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the leaders would examine ways to address the pulling out of the bloc by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.

    The three countries announced their dissociation from the sub-regional group following the latter’s condemnation of the unconstitutional takeover of power in those countries.

    Nigeria’s former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on Thursday called for a quick resolution of the various issues threatening the unity of the community.

    Gowon said that differences should not be allowed to disrupt the noble intentions of the founding fathers of ECOWAS.

    The three military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their intention to exit ECOWAS on Jan. 28 over allegations that the sub-regional body was becoming a threat.

    The trio said that the sub-regional body failed to support them in their fight against terrorism and insecurity, while imposing sanctions on them.

    ECOWAS had been working towards a return to democratic rule in the three countries and frowned at any lengthy democratic transitions.

    Read Also: ECOWAS: Gowon calls for lifting of sanction, withdrawal of exit notice

    The Mediation and Security Council of ECOWAS has urged the aggrieved nations to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation in resolving their differences with the community.

    ECOWAS leaders would also address the political situation in Senegal at the Abuja meeting.

    Senegal’s President Macky Sall recently declared that he would no longer run for an unconstitutional third term in office at the 2024 general elections.

    His decision ended bouts of unrest in Senegal since 2021 in which dozens had been killed.

    (NAN)

  • UBA sponsors ECOWAS Mining Forum

    UBA sponsors ECOWAS Mining Forum

    United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has emerged the official sponsor of the fourth edition of the ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum (ECOMOF 2024) scheduled to take place at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, Benin from February 22 to February 24, 2024.

    The regional event is expected to see a large gathering of key players and stakeholders in the mining and petroleum sectors of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    UBA is the preferred partner for the event, underlining the bank’s commitment to the growth of mining and Petroleum industry in the sub-region but to the whole not African economic development.

    UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, would give the keynote address during the opening ceremony of this all-important event.

    Elumelu who doubles as Chairman of Transcorp Group, with extensive interests in energy and power, will be speaking on the theme: “Geo-extractive Resources and Technologies: what pooling strategies for Value Creation in West Africa”

    His speech is expected to highlight UBA’s increasing effort to support and develop the African continent through strategic investments in the key sectors of mining and petroleum.

    Under the esteemed leadership of the President of the Republic of Benin, His Excellency, Patrice Talon, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and current President of ECOWAS, His Excellency Mr. Bola Tinubu, UBA Group will at the forum aim to restate its commitment towards supporting economic and social development across the continent.

    Read Also: EFCC quizzes ex-Gov Ahmed over alleged diversion of N10bn

    The focus of ECOMOF 2024 underscores the significance of transforming the mining and oil sectors into economic pillars by formulating attractive policies for investors, essential for the sectors’ substantial contribution to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of ECOWAS member states.

    The Transnational Corporation Group (Transcorp Plc) – a diversified conglomerate with strategic investments in various sectors, including power and energy – will also actively participate in the forum.

    Key officials from UBA Group and Transcorp Plc, including the Chief Executive Officer UBA Africa, Abiola Bawuah; UBA’s Group Head, Corporate and Energy Bank, Ebele Ogbue, and President/ Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Group, Owen Omogiafo will be actively involved in discussions and panels on the sidelines of the event.

    Anticipated to attract over 2,000 participants from diverse sectors, including representatives from mining and oil industries, government officials, international and national investors, industry experts, ECOWAS delegates, and international organizations, ECOMOF 2024 promises to be a significant platform for collaborative dialogue and partnership building.

  • Euphoria of ECOWAS coups waning

    Euphoria of ECOWAS coups waning

    In Guinea, Burkina Faso and Mali, the coup euphoria that lathered their cities and other parts of West and Central Africa in the past few years has begun to die down. New realities are dawning, realities of abridged civil rights without a corresponding amelioration of the harsh economic and social environments that triggered the usurpation of democracy. In 2017, there was no part of the sub-region under military rule. By last year, four out of 15 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had succumbed to military jackboot.

    There is no end in sight to the nightmare, or of the misplaced hope, or of the military subterfuges. It was at first thought that certain underlying conditions, mainly France’s stranglehold on Francophone West African economies, created the unfair, exploitative and pauperising conditions those countries needed to get rid of. Systemic exploitation is a problem alright, indeed a very big problem, but in two of the countries, Guinea and Niger Republic, the coups were triggered by their elected president’s attempt to remove influential military officers, Mamady Doumbouya, Special Forces commander, in the case of Guinea, and Abdourahmane Tchiani, head of the presidential guards, in the case of Niger.

    ECOWAS has been exposed as powerless in preventing coups or reversing them when they occur. Border closures and sanctions have been generally ineffective, as President Bola Tinubu came to realise after the Niger Republic coup. While Guinea has been chary of the risks and inconveniences of pulling out of ECOWAS, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic suffer no such compunctions. The three Francophone countries, now bonded into a tripartite arrangement, have jauntily pulled out of the bloc and dared anyone to stop them. They have also gone ahead to invite the beleaguered Russian military expeditionary forces to replace the French Foreign Legion, first through the late Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner group, which was Russian state-funded, and later regular Russian soldiers, Russia now has an uncharacteristic foothold in Africa. It is uncharted territory for Russia and the three welcoming countries. No one can predict how the story will end: in farce, tragedy or comedy. What is certain, however, is that democracy is the main victim.

    Read Also: ECOWAS moves to deepen regional integration

    The fascination for coups, now afflicting mainly West and Central Africa, is hard to explain. There is not one of the countries in question, as their histories have shown, that was improved by military intervention. However, impatient youths searching for quick fixes and radical measures, including state-sanctioned killings, encourage military interventions despite a long history of state-sponsored violence and administrative and economic retrogression. One explanation may be the slim connection theoreticians draw between poor governance and military takeover. In fact, many Nigerian leaders, among them the uncritical ex-presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, have repeatedly harped on that linkage. But two reasons expose their fallacies. One, there is no proof that military officers who forcefully hijack power have either the competence to rule or the modernising instinct they pretend to possess. Two, there is nothing in their training to suggest that they have the tolerance for divergent opinions and perspectives or an understanding of the rudiments of governance in environments saturated with weak institutions.

    Reports coming out of Guinea and Burkina Faso are revealing ugly facts of their militaries clamping down on dissent and free speech. Critics are locked up, while there has been no perceptible change in the welfare of the people upon whose gullibility they rode into power. In Guinea for instance Lt-.Col Doumbouya overthrew President Alpha Conde in 2021, but has yet to announce a timetable for the return to civil rule. Instead in 2022, he announced arbitrarily that he would need some 39 months to transit to civil rule. He neither explained nor defended the timetable.

    Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have waved off any election in the near future, with Mali whimsically changing transition dates. For those countries, military rule has at once become a mirage and a charade. It despoils rather than develops. It leaves permanent scars on the psyche of the people; it does not heal wounds or extirpate scars. Those who have been victims of military jackboots have horrifying stories to tell. It takes excess of stupidity to encourage or promote military intervention. Inundated with poverty, poor education, farcical notions of leadership, coup-ridden countries only get worse, not better, more tyrannical, less free. ECOWAS should forge ahead with new ideas of regional unity and development, including in the arts, sciences, entertainment and security. They should leave laggards alone.

  • Junta-led Burkina-faso, Mali, Niger confirm plan to form tri-state confederation after ECOWAS exit

    Junta-led Burkina-faso, Mali, Niger confirm plan to form tri-state confederation after ECOWAS exit

    Junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger plan to proceed with the establishment of a confederation, the Malian foreign ministry said on Thursday, as the three countries deepen ties via an alliance that threatens broader West African integration.

    The neighbours in the impoverished Sahel region announced in January they would quit the Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS) – a decision the bloc has urged them to rethink, warning of the additional hardships this withdrawal would bring.

    At a meeting in the Burkinabe capital Ouagadougou, their three ministers confirmed a joint commitment to withdraw from ECOWAS without delay and continue cooperation under a pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

    They “reaffirmed their commitment to advancing resolutely in the process of implementing the AES and creating the Tri-State Confederation,” the Malian foreign ministry said in an online post.

    The group has not shared details on how the proposed confederation would work or on how closely they plan to align political, economic and security interests as they struggle to contain a decade-old battle with Islamist insurgents that has destabilised the subregion.

    Read Also: ECOWAS moves to deepen regional integration

    Last November, their finance ministers said they would weigh the option of setting up a monetary union and top officials from all three countries have, to varying degrees, voiced support for abandoning West Africa’s CFA franc common currency.

    The juntas have all severed long-standing military ties with former colonial ruler France, dealing a blow to France’s influence in the Sahel and complicating international efforts to fight the militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

    REUTERS

  • ECOWAS moves to deepen regional integration

    ECOWAS moves to deepen regional integration

    No fewer than 10, 000 potential buyers and sellers of goods and services across Africa and beyond are expected to converge in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Friendly Countries Trade Fair (ECOFAIRS).

    At the launch of ECOFAIRS in Lagos, Nigeria over the weekend, Chief Executive Officer, ECOFAIRS, Mr. Ejarkaminor Sylvester Riicolins, said ECOFAIRS is an organisation that promotes intra-African economic integration through regular economic activities across the sub-region.

    At the lunch of ECOFAIRS with the theme, ‘Economic Potential of African Continent Free Trade Area AfCFTA on Commerce and Trade in Africa,’ Ejarkaminor explained that ECOFAIRS was birthed in the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire.

    He said the economic initiative, has had three successful editions in other African countries, one of which was the Republic of Burkina Faso where 28 countries participated, before making its depute in Nigeria this year.

    Ejarkaminor stated that the fourth edition of ECOFAIRS in Nigeria will be a 10-day marathon event to hold at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, from September 6-15, 2024, with over 10, 000 potential buyers and sellers of goods and services expected during the 10-days marathon event.

    “Nigeria is on the verge of organizing the fourth edition of the most prestigious regional economic platform,” The ECOFAIRS CEO stated, pointing out that this year’s edition is a 4-in-I event featuring a rich line of activities such as Lagos by Night, Malaria Eradication programme, Sales & Exhibition, and Africa Excellent Award (Africeaward).

    Explaining the unique difference between ECOFAIRS and other normal fairs people usually attend, Ejarkaminor said ECOFAIRS is going to run during the day and at night, with Nigerian and African culture in full display through musical and cultural activities that will last all night for the period of ECOFAIRS.

    The Africa Excellent Award (Africeaward), he said, is where business gurus, political juggernauts and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that have distinguished themselves at different levels will be celebrated.

    “We want to honour the Mayors from different African countries that have done very well. We believe that the mayors play a very significant role in African development, so we want to honour and appreciate them.

    “We also want to appreciate companies that have all through the years given employments in their host countries, including some NGOs that have done very well,” he added.

    According to him, other activities lined up for the event include the Malaria Eradication programme, which ECOFAIRS will use as platform to educate people about the causes of malaria; and the Sales & Exhibition, where people will be coming from many parts of the world to exhibit their products and services.

    ECOFAIRS, The Nation learnt, is in line with the objectives of the AfCFTA to drive intra-Africa trade, hence one of the fair’s objectives is to create a platform that will enhance business performance in the region.

    For instance, with the fair, Nigeria particularly stands the chance to receive lots of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into the country, as most of the exhibitors would use the platform to conduct feasibility studies to guarantee their Return on Investments (RoIs).

    ECOFAIRS will also boost the activities of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country and also increase their market reach. Ejarkaminor said, for instance, that exhibition stands will be given out to MSMEs at very affordable prices to encourage their participation.

    ECOFAIRS also seeks to promote intra-regional partnership, entrepreneurship and business extension between Africans and friendly countries. It also seeks to open investment opportunities to foreign investors in the region.

    Similarly, ECOFAIRS aims to promote indigenous (made-in-Africa) goods and services, and advocate for good governance and encourage successive governments to create enabling environment for business th thrive within the continent and beyond.

    Read Also: Forging a new path for ECOWAS

    In line with the afore-mentioned aims and objectives of ECOFAIRS, a number of countries present at the launch of its Nigerian edition pledged their support and cooperation. Some of the countries include Egypt, Rwanda, Ghana, Spain, and Indonesia.

    For instance, in his goodwill message, the High Commissioner of Rwanda, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, said Rwanda, like many other African nations, recognizes the immense potential the AfCFTA holds and the transformative power of intra-African trade fueled by the removal of trade tariffs.

    According to the Rwandan envoy, “The AfCFTA stands as a testament to our collective vision of an Africa united in commerce and big market empowered by increased trade and thriving on shared prosperity.”

    Amb. Bazivamo said ECOFAIRS “Is just one example of many success stories waiting to be written across our continent.” He, however, said unlocking the full potential of AfCFTA requires addressing the issue of infrastructure. “We must invest in infrastructure, in modern roads, efficient rail etc.,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Commercial First Secretary & Head of the Economic and Commercial Office Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Ambassador Amr Altantawy, said African economic development is one of the top priorities to Egypt, and both Egypt and Nigeria have a strong presence and influence in all African forums and entities.

    “We can cooperate together to fully implement AfCFTA to benefit from its advantages,” he said, adding, “We believes that this step will encourage trade between our countries especially in the sectors of food industries, agriculture, mining, energy, construction, infrastructure, textiles, health and medical industries, IT and much more.”

  • Forging a new path for ECOWAS

    Forging a new path for ECOWAS

    Amid recent geopolitical turbulence, a pivotal gathering of experts and stakeholders convened in Lagos last Monday, organised by influential organisations including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG). Against the backdrop of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the indefinite postponement of elections in Senegal, the gathering aimed to navigate the pressing issues facing the region. With a shared commitment to fostering regional stability and democratic governance, participants deliberated on strategies to ensure the speedy restoration of democratic rule in the affected countries. In this special report, Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF encapsulates the profound insights and resolutions emanating from the gathering

    As a pivotal regional force for economic, social, and political advancement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is being severely tested. In recent years, political turmoil and security crises within some member states have shaken the foundation of the bloc’s commitment to growth and unity. Since August 2020, the region has been plagued by a flurry of coups, undermining democratic governance and disregarding constitutional norms. To confront these formidable challenges head-on, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) across West Africa, including prominent bodies such as the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria), Nigeria Network of NGOs, and Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), convened for an interactive meeting to address the pressing issues affecting ECOWAS and regional integration in West Africa. It was a platform for dialogue and collective action to navigate the turbulent landscape facing the region.

    The meeting, convened in Lagos on Monday, February 5, 2024, delved deep into the current state of affairs within ECOWAS and the way forward. With mounting concerns over escalating instability and the looming specter of potential disintegration, participants fervently discussed the urgent measures required to safeguard the regional bloc’s integrity. Acknowledging ECOWAS’s pivotal role as a beacon for regional integration in Africa, experts underscored the significance of the organisation’s achievements. Notable milestones include the facilitation of free movement of persons, the implementation of trade liberalisation schemes, and, most notably, the establishment of a Customs Union. The landmark entry into force of the Common External Tariff (CET) in 2015 stands as a testament to ECOWAS’s commitment to fostering deeper integration within the region.

    Advocacy for a more  integrated West Africa

    In his opening remarks, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of CISLAC and Chairman of Transition Monitoring Group, emphasised the critical need for a more integrated West Africa in combating the scourge of violent extremism, terrorism, and other trans-border crimes plaguing the ECOWAS region. Highlighting the pivotal role of regional cooperation in addressing these pressing challenges, Rafsanjani underscored the significance of measures implemented by the Community to promote collaboration among member states on criminal matters. He cited examples such as the protocol on mutual assistance on defence matters and the convention on small arms and light weapons, which have significantly bolstered regional efforts to combat terrorism and crime. Rafsanjani stressed that a united ECOWAS is essential in the fight against terrorism and organised crime in the region, underscoring the imperative of solidarity and collective action to safeguard peace and stability across West Africa.

    “As civil society organisations in Nigeria and the West African region, we are resolute in working to ensure ECOWAS stays focused on promoting genuine democratisation processes in the region. It is against this backdrop that this CSO interactive meeting is holding to put out a common position which emphasises more political, economic and security stability for West Africa. On this note, CSOs urge politicians in the region to desist from truncating democracy at the detriment of the people. It is disturbing to see the trend of events where politicians abuse democratic processes and ascribe to themselves arbitrary powers over constitutional governance. These trends are against the critical pillars of ECOWAS Vision 2050.

    “In line with this, the CSOs in Nigeria and West Africa condemn the indefinite postponement of the February 25, 2024 election in Senegal without consulting widely with the people. This type of action is viewed as an abuse of power and must be rejected in the region as it is the type of undemocratic behaviour capable of instigating a military junta. It is therefore important for the government of Senegal to immediately fix a new date for the election to be held. CSOs working in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa are interested in ensuring economic development that is capable of reducing the poverty and infrastructural deficit in the region. Therefore, we will continue to support regional stability to boost the economic viability of West Africa.”

     Rafsanjani further underscored the far-reaching implications of recent regional events, cautioning that their ripple effects could potentially destabilise the peace and economy of numerous countries within the ECOWAS region. Emphasising the paramount importance of dialogue in resolving disputes, he reiterated the imperative for ECOWAS to refrain from resorting to the use of force, aligning with the operational guidance outlined in the Protocol on Non-Aggression. He emphasised the collective responsibility of every ECOWAS member state to not only belong to the community but also actively implement measures and mechanisms aimed at achieving the critical objectives of economic and social prosperity for every citizen. Looking ahead to the realisation of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which prioritises the transition from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of the People, Rafsanjani underscored the necessity of activating the National Focus Pe rsons of ECOWAS.

    ECOWAS Vision 2050 explained

    Speaking on ECOWAS Vision 2050, Solomon Adoga, TMG’s Senior Programme Officer, provided insights into its inception, highlighting its evolution from an assessment of ECOWAS Vision 2020 with stakeholders represented. Adoga emphasised the remarkable success of the ECOWAS integration process, noting its status as one of the most successful among all Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa. Originating in 2007, ECOWAS Vision 2020 aimed at eradicating poverty, consolidating regional peace and security, and promoting sustainable social and economic development. Anchored on the slogan ‘moving from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of Peoples’, the vision was structured around five pillars: peace and security, good governance, development of regional resources, economic and monetary integration, and promotion of the private sector.

    While ECOWAS made significant advancements in various areas, including regional integration, peace and security, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development, Adoga acknowledged shortcomings in peace, security, and stability, citing examples such as Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Transitioning to ECOWAS Vision 2050, titled ‘ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All’, Adoga outlined its five pillars: Pillar 1: Peace, Security, and Stability, emphasising the need to strengthen human security through sustainable initiatives to address multidimensional security threats; Pillar 2: Governance and Rule of Law, focusing on establishing and enhancing the functionality of strong and credible institutions to uphold fundamental rights, democratic governance, and justice delivery; Pillar 3: Economic Integration and Interconnectivity, aiming to enhance trade, market integration, and the achievement of economic and monetary union, in addition to facilitating the free movement of people and goods; Pillar 4: Transformation, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development, centered on improving living conditions through quality education, job creation, especially for youth and women, and enhancing resilience to public health challenges.

    “This pillar is also based on the structural transformation of economies driven by the digitalisation of the economy, entrepreneurship, science and technology and structuring investments in growth sectors. And lastly, pillar five has to do with social inclusion. This pillar places the ECOWAS citizens, mainly women, children and youth, and all vulnerable people (including people with disabilities and the elderly) at the heart of development and the integration process. By 2050, ECOWAS will have to meet the challenges of social cohesion among its people, create the conditions of a sense of belonging that is characteristic of Community citizenship that would foster the emergence of a cultural identity based on shared values,” Adoga said.

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    Chiemelie Ezeobi, Group Features Editor at THISDAY, underscores the ECOWAS SSRG’s mission to strengthen states’ abilities in addressing security threats and providing justice services. Despite ECOWAS initiatives like peacekeeping forces, Ezeobi highlights persistent issues like coups. She identifies barriers to ECOWAS unity such as mistrust and high travel costs, stressing the importance of regional integration for economic progress. Drawing from personal experiences, Ezeobi emphasises the need for effective communication and coordination in joint security efforts.

    The way forward

    Speaking on the pivotal role of civil societies in West African regional integration, Kop’ep Dabugat, the General Secretary of the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), stressed that while regional integration initiatives were historically state-driven, recent developments in the ECOWAS revised treaty of 1993 underscored the importance of meaningful civil society engagement. Dabugat outlined key dimensions introduced by the revised ECOWAS treaty, including fundamental principles guiding integration such as non-aggression among member states, maintenance of regional peace and stability, and promotion of human rights and democratic governance. He noted  the treaty’s emphasis on issues of peace, security, and stability, which were absent in earlier versions, as well as the introduction of new community institutions like the Community Parliament, Economic and Social Council, and Community Court of Justice.

    In a comprehensive communique issued at the conclusion of the event, the stakeholders highlighted critical concerns regarding recent developments in the West African region, particularly the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS. They emphasised that such withdrawals would significantly impede the progress made in peace, security, and economic cooperation within the region, especially in combating terrorism and promoting regional integration. The stakeholders expressed deep apprehension about the potential ramifications of these withdrawals, noting that they could exacerbate existing security challenges, increase corruption and illicit activities, and undermine democratic principles across West Africa. They underscored the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation, urging ECOWAS to convene an emergency summit to address the situation comprehensively.

    Moreover, the stakeholders called for concerted efforts to ensure the restoration of democratic governance in the affected countries and emphasised the importance of free, fair, and credible elections. They advocated for ECOWAS to review and strengthen its protocols on good governance to prevent electoral manipulation and unconstitutional changes of government. In alignment with the ideals of ECOWAS Vision 2050, the stakeholders proposed various measures to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness and accountability, including the transition to elective representation in the ECOWAS Parliament and the operationalisation of consultative mechanisms at the national level. Additionally, they urged civil society and media to actively engage in peace-building efforts and support democratic processes in the region.