The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced the process of relocating its institutions and agencies from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, following the recent withdrawal of these three Sahelian nations from the regional bloc.
During an Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday, member state ministers engaged in crucial deliberations regarding the logistical strategies required for this significant relocation. The agenda also included discussions on the suspension of ongoing regional programmes within the three nations, which are currently under the governance of military juntas.
The extraordinary session was convened in direct response to a directive issued by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government during its 66th Ordinary Session, highlighting the urgency and importance of addressing the implications of the Sahelian states' departure.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chair of the Council, inaugurated the session with a strong appeal for calm, pragmatism, and unwavering unity among member states.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Ambassador Tuggar described it as a “difficult chapter in ECOWAS’s history.” However, he underscored the critical need for the regional body to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of these unprecedented developments.
“This session is not one we had hoped for,” stated Ambassador Tuggar. “But in recognising the sovereignty of these nations under their current military governments, we must now adapt and chart a forward-looking path that safeguards the integrity and functionality of our community.”
A statement released by Ambassador Tuggar’s media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed that the council had been specifically tasked with formulating a comprehensive framework for the disengagement process. This framework includes the intricate planning for the relocation of ECOWAS institutions and the development of robust mitigation strategies to address the impact on existing regional programmes within the departing nations.
The ministers engaged in detailed discussions on ensuring the seamless and uninterrupted operation of ECOWAS institutions that are vital to critical areas such as regional security, economic development initiatives, and the facilitation of regional mobility among member states.
Moving forward, member states are expected to submit detailed memoranda outlining specific plans for the transition of ECOWAS offices and operations to alternative host countries within the remaining ECOWAS member states.
“The council will meticulously examine the potential relocation of ECOWAS institutions and agencies currently based in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, with a clear focus on mitigating any potential disruptions that could arise from their exit,” the official statement elaborated.
Despite the challenges posed by the withdrawal, Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed ECOWAS’s enduring commitment to the overarching goals of regional integration. He also lauded the bloc's historical legacy as the most integrated and successful sub-regional body on the African continent.
“While these developments are undoubtedly unprecedented in our history, they also present a unique opportunity for us to renew and further strengthen our collective resolve,” Ambassador Tuggar emphasized. “Our unity as a community has been tested on numerous occasions in the past, and each time, we have emerged stronger and more cohesive. I have no doubt that we will do so again in this instance.”
The council’s crucial deliberations are expected to continue in the coming days, with member states anticipated to approve a comprehensive and actionable plan for the relocation of institutions and the broader realignment of ECOWAS operations in light of the recent withdrawals.