President Bola Tinubu, alongside other heads of state and government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is presently presiding over an Extraordinary Summit at the State House in Abuja.
News About Nigeria understands that the ongoing summit is focused on addressing the political, peace, and security situation in the West African region.
President Tinubu, who currently serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, is leading discussions on recent developments within member states that have witnessed military takeovers.
Mali in August 2020, Burkina Faso in September 2022, and Niger in July 2023 all experienced military coups, which led to sanctions imposed by the ECOWAS Authority.
The bloc, with its headquarters in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, is comprised of 15 member countries.
However, tensions escalated within the region when the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in late January, citing ‘illegal sanctions’ that allegedly harmed their citizens.
The juntas accused the bloc of being influenced by foreign governments whose interests were perceived as contrary to the welfare of the people.
In response to the military takeovers, ECOWAS implemented sanctions, including the “suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger” in July 2023.
Similar measures were taken when Mali and Burkina Faso came under military rule.
The sanctions froze assets of the Republic of Niger in Aqua Central Bank and state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.
While ECOWAS rules mandate a one-year notice for a member state’s withdrawal, the military juntas declared immediate secession.
This marked the first withdrawal since Mauritania’s exit in December 2000.
On February 15, ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic announced plans to establish a confederation.
