Monrovia – Yakubu Gowon, former head of state of Nigeria and one of the architects behind the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called for the removal of sanctions on nations impacted by recent coups, as regional leaders prepare for an urgent summit.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
In a poignant open letter to the Heads of State and member states of ECOWAS, Gowon expressed grave concerns over the looming disunity within ECOWAS. The 89-year-old statesman and last surviving founding father of ECOWAS emphasized the irreparable consequences of division within the community, stressing, “Neither my generation nor those to come will forgive the fragmentation of our union.”
Gowon outlined a series of crucial steps for immediate consideration by West African leaders, including the lifting of sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger—countries currently under transitional leadership following recent military coups. Additionally, he called for the retraction of withdrawal notices from ECOWAS by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and proposed a summit involving all 15 heads of state within ECOWAS to deliberate on the community’s future, security, and regional stability.
Having been a pivotal figure during the formation of the regional political and economic union in May 1975, Gowon carries a unique perspective on its origins and aspirations. He implored the current Heads of State and Government within the West African bloc, including leaders from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, to unite for the collective peace and stability of the region.
The recent withdrawals of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS have plunged the organization into a state of crisis. This turmoil has been further compounded by President Macky Sall’s unexpected decision to postpone elections in Senegal. ECOWAS, tasked with addressing coup incidents and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources, has faced mounting challenges in recent times.
Last year, the regional bloc’s court ruled against the legitimacy of juntas to govern in lieu of elected administrations. Against this backdrop, recent events, including the coup in Niger, have heightened political tensions across West Africa. Notably, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have formed a security alliance and severed military ties with European nations, seeking support from Russia instead.
In a joint statement issued late January, the military administrations in these three nations accused ECOWAS of imposing punitive sanctions aimed at reversing recent coups, labeling them as inhumane measures.