We’ll Keep Reaching Out to AES, Says New ECOWAS Chief
Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has acknowledged the depth of the crisis confronting West African integration, with its new Commission President, General Birame
General Birame Diop, the newly-appointed Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has emphasized the necessity of rebuilding unity within the regional bloc and re-engaging with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger - countries that withdrew following tensions over military rule, sanctions and differing views on constitutional order.
Diop, who took office on Monday, highlighted the unavoidable nature of cooperation between ECOWAS and the three Sahel countries, citing geography, security threats and economic interdependence as reasons to maintain relations. He urged ECOWAS to function as a united front to tackle security and economic challenges, urging member states to overcome divisions and restore confidence in the integration project.
Nigeria's Ministry of State for Foreign Affairs backed Diop's call for renewed dialogue, emphasizing that ECOWAS should focus on the needs of its citizens rather than just governments. The organization also faces ongoing challenges with Guinea-Bissau, where a political crisis requires ECOWAS intervention.
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