The planned withdrawal of three member states including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS seems to worry President Joseph N. Boakai, describing the action as “pressing challenge” to the region and calling for an urgent attention and coordinated efforts on the matter.
Speaking Sunday, December 15, 2024 at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, President Boakai said the ongoing political and security developments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, along with the escalating insecurity in the Sahel, have collectively contributed to an atmosphere of widespread uncertainty.
He said the planned withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS set for January 2025, presents a chilling moment that summons foremost concern, attention and action.
The Liberian leader said the issue, coupled with broader concerns such as regional peace and stability, the growing humanitarian concerns, and the governance challenges faced by some of the member states, makes the summit even more pertinent.
“In our revised treaty, we accepted to face political, economic, and socio-cultural challenges together and use our diversities to enhance the productivity of our region, both in the present and the future. The future envisioned then is now, and we cannot fail,” he said.
Boakai told the body that Liberia is emerging as a beacon of peace and stability in Africa, and recognized the significant benefits the country has gained from the ECOWAS Community.
The President assured that Liberia remains committed to playing a frontline role in promoting security and development in the region.
“As we engage in these high-level discussions, I want to emphasize my government’s determination to ensure that Liberia’s voice and leadership contribute meaningfully, especially considering the planned departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS,” he stated.
President Boakai said Liberia remains optimistic that dialogue, reconciliation, collaboration, and a determination to unite people will guide their decisions, and no force, no matter how strong, can crush a united people.
The Liberian leader said that the country has consistently championed these principles, both in addressing the current Boakai: “Our call for the lifting of sanctions on Burkina Faso Mali, and Niger, is a testament to our commitment to peace, stability, and dialogue over conflict. This approach aims to encourage these nations to return to their rightful place within the Community.”
President Boakai said Liberia’s efforts to support the mediation processes in these countries, under the auspices of ECOWAS, are aligned with the goal of fostering long-term stability, not just for Liberia, but for the entire West African community.
He said that the rising insecurity in the Sahel Region, particularly due to increasing terrorist activities and the destabilizing effects of political transitions, cannot be overlooked. Thus it is essential that countries collaborate to tackle these security challenges and develop sustainable solutions that ensure peace and stability throughout the region.
He said securing national borders is no guarantee for long term security, and African leaders must adopt strategies that strengthen collective security through intelligence sharing, consolidate early warning systems and pledge to support one another.
By Prince Saah
