LAGOS — Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, have expressed optimism that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic will rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following renewed diplomatic efforts by the regional bloc.
Speaking at an international conference themed “ECOWAS at 50” held on Tuesday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, the elder statesmen called for intensified regional dialogue and unity to bring the Sahel nations back into the fold.
The conference, hosted by the NIIA in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, comes months after the three countries formally withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, over disagreements on restoring democratic governance. ECOWAS, however, granted a six-month window for the countries to reconsider their decision.
Gowon, a founding figure of ECOWAS, described their withdrawal as “deeply regrettable” but lauded the bloc’s continued openness to reconciliation.
“We had thought the era of countries leaving ECOWAS was over,” he said. “Unfortunately, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger decided to exit. Still, I do not lose hope… Every action and every visit being made is a step toward their eventual return.”
In a symbolic proposal, Gowon suggested a potential name change to accommodate the Sahel states: “If what it takes is to add another ‘S’ to become ECOWASS—Economic Community of West African States and Sahel—then so be it.”
He emphasized that ECOWAS must remain focused on peace, security, and regional well-being.
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Akinyemi praised Nigeria’s subtle diplomacy, especially during a recent fuel crisis in Niger, where Nigeria reportedly dispatched 300 tankers of fuel to assist.
“Nigeria didn’t grandstand. It acted quietly, helping a neighbour without making them lose face. That act of brotherhood paved the way for renewed engagement,” Akinyemi said.
He also cited the recent visit of Niger’s Foreign Minister to Nigeria as a positive indicator of thawing tensions.
“There is no doubt in my mind that these countries will return. They are embracing the African way of solving problems—dialogue, solidarity, and respect,” he added.
The conference also featured international voices, with German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Weert Börner, warning against overreliance on Russia for peace and development. He urged ECOWAS to concentrate on tackling terrorism and enhancing intra-regional trade.
Marija Peran, Resident Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, called for deeper regional integration, particularly in economic governance, security, and sustainable development.
Director-General of the NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, expressed confidence in the bloc’s resilience, predicting that ECOWAS would emerge stronger within the next decade.
Other distinguished attendees included Lagos State Secretary to the Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; 2023 SDP presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; former Foreign Minister, Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd.); Mrs. Erelu Dosumu-Abiola; NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Abubakar Audi; and renowned scholars, Prof. Olawale Albert and Prof. Bola Akinterinwa.
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