Ecowas held an Extraordinary Session of its Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the ministerial level to address the decision of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to exit the community. The meeting also addressed Senegal’s postponed presidential election.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their immediate withdrawal from Ecowas citing grievances such as the perceived departure of the organization from its pan-African ideals, influence of hostile foreign powers, feeling of abandonment in the fight against terrorism, and imposition of sanctions.

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Ecowas Commission, stated that the withdrawal did not consider the conditions outlined in the 1993 Ecowas Revised Treaty. He also highlighted the implications of the decision on the citizens and prepared memoranda for consideration.

Regarding Senegal, Dr. Touray noted that the National Assembly’s resolution and the extension of President Macky Sall’s tenure had caused a crisis in the country and the sub-region.

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the MSC, emphasized the commitment to democratic governance and people’s right to freely elect their leaders. He stressed the importance of formulating actionable recommendations in response to the regional state of affairs.

The discussions aimed to address the threats to peace and political stability in the Ecowas Community. The ministers received presentations on the situation in the Sahel countries and Senegal’s postponed presidential elections. The outcome of the meeting will guide the collective response to the regional situation.