29th January, 2024
_Says withdrawal neither positive nor negative_
A Peacebuilding think tank, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has counseled the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to delay its response to the withdrawal of three members states from the body.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic announced they are withdrawing from ECOWAS over the weekend.
According to PeacePro, ECOWAS should assess its conduct and approaches over time, its mild and long term plan, as well as its strategic interest, vis-a-vis the implication of withdrawal of the affected countries and their foreign allies before articulating a position.
In a statement by the Executive Director of PeacePro, Amb. Abdulrazaq Hamzat over the weekend, the group explained that, the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic from ECOWAS have both political, economic and security implications for the region, but the effect will be positive or negative, depending on how ECOWAS handle the new development.
According to Hamzat, the withdrawal of the trio from ECOWAS cannot be described as positive or negative, as the action could have both positive and negative implications, depending on the management modality adopted by ECOWAS to respond to the delicate situation.
Hamzat explained that, this development, as shocking as it may be, could assist the region transform itself and become the necessary catalyst for West Africa’s rejuvenation.
“This is why we would advise ECOWAS not to respond rashly to the development for momentary spotlight”, adding that the body should overview its conduct and approaches over time, its short and long term plan, as well as the strategic implication before taking any position.