Former military head of state Yakubu Gowon has advocated stronger ties among members of the Economic Community of West African States, expressing optimism over the return of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to the regional bloc.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS in Lagos on Wednesday, Mr Gowon said the countries’ departures were harmful to regional progress and development.
“Our sister nations that decided to leave, will, in time, realise the bonds of culture,” the erstwhile military leader stated. “I am confident that with goodwill and sincere engagement, they will find a reason to return to the ECOWAS family stronger, more united, and committed to our common vision for West Africa. I believe, sooner or later, they will come back.”
Mr Gowon attributed the resurgent military coups in the three countries to personal ambitions.
“In recent years, we have witnessed the troubling resurgence of military coups in some of our member states. We thought that was over, but it seems as though personal ambition drives some people to do the wrong thing,” he said.
The erstwhile military leader commended President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders for their efforts to reunite the countries back with the bloc, urging them not to relent.
“I am very encouraged to see the effort of government, ministers, chief of defence staff, and the president. The president has constantly been working with the groups, and I hope they will convince them to return. Continue to be open, and don’t push them away. They will come back as individuals or as a group,” he noted.
On January 29, the three military-led governments in the three West African nations announced their withdrawal from the bloc, citing ECOWAS’s perceived lack of involvement in addressing the Sahel’s security issues.
The countries decided to form their own security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States, in September 2023.
Many have attributed the resurgent insecurity in the Sahel, especially Nigeria and Benin, to the countries’ exit, reiterating the need for deeper ties among member countries.
