The Authority of Head of States and Governments of the Economic Communality of West African States (ECOWAS) held its 66th Ordinary Session under the chairmanship of Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and current Chair of the Authority, on December 15 2024 in Abuja.
Topics of discussed at the summit include: regional integration and development issues, peace, security and democracy, and institutional matters.
In a final communique released by ECOWAS, the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Niger, and the Republic of Burkina Faso to has been given six months to reconsider their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS,
According to the communique, “the Authority commends the exemplary diplomatic engagements of H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal and H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic (the ECOWAS Co-Facilitators) and the diplomatic efforts of the Chairman of Authority, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other individual Member States.”
“The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Niger, and Burkina Faso of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS and acknowledges that in accordance with the provision of Article 91 of ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29th January 2025.”
“The Authority decides to set the period from 29th January 2025 to 29th July 2025 as a transitional period and keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries.”
“The Authority, in this regard, extends the mandate of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic and H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal to continue their mediation role up to the end of the transition period to bring back the three countries”
“The Authority, without prejudice to the spirit of the continued diplomatic engagements, directs the President of the Commission to launch the withdrawal formalities after the deadline of 29th January 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering all areas.”
“The Authority directs the Council of Ministers to convene an Extraordinary Session during the second quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt both the separation modalities and the contingency plan covering political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Niger and Burkina Faso 9 Final.”
According to the communique, The Authority said it reaffirms its unflinching adherence to the provisions of the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, in particular the zero tolerance for power obtained or maintained by unconstitutional means.
The communique also revealed that the Authority reiterates its demand for the unconditional release of the former Nigerien President, H.E. Mohamed Bazoum, from detention.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu commended the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for spirited discussions throughout the Summit.
He noted that the collective resolve underscored their strength to address the region’s pressing challenges.
“As we move forward to implement the outcomes of this Summit, let us remain united in our determination and steadfast in our commitment to the principles that bind us together as a Community.
“I call on all Member States to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the decisions reached here translate into tangible benefits for our citizens,” he said.
