A West African leaders’ summit has started amidst political upheaval following the formation of a new confederation by the military rulers of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
This breakaway union, established in Niamey under the name “Confederation of Sahel States,” marks a defiant move away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which they left earlier this year.
The leaders, who came to power through coups in recent years, have criticised ECOWAS for alleged manipulation by former colonial power France and insufficient support for counter-insurgency efforts.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger declared their departure from ECOWAS as irreversible, setting the stage for a tense summit in Abuja, Nigeria.
The gathering is crucial as it convenes Senegal’s new President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for the first time, who has expressed optimism about restoring dialogue among member states.
Tensions have particularly strained between ECOWAS and Niger since the 2023 coup, prompting sanctions that were only recently lifted.
Ahead of the summit, discussions among defense and finance ministers have focused on financing a proposed regional force aimed at combating terrorism and restoring constitutional order.
The initiative calls for an initial 1,500-strong unit, potentially scaling up to a 5,000-strong brigade costing approximately $2.6 billion annually.
As ECOWAS grapples with these challenges, including financial constraints, Commission Chief Omar Alieu Touray emphasized the urgency of decisive action to meet regional demands.
Meanwhile, reports suggest a division over the potential reappointment of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as ECOWAS chair, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics among member nations.
The 65th ordinary session of ECOWAS is being held at Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria.
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