President of Senegal, Bassirou Faye, has committed to reopening talks with the military juntas of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to reintegrate them into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This decision follows an appeal by Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for renewed efforts to negotiate the return of these countries to the regional bloc after military takeovers in 2022 and 2023.
During a visit to Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday, Faye emphasized the importance of dialogue. “We can discuss with our brothers and convince them to come back into the fold,” he stated in the meeting.
Tinubu, who currently serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, had urged Faye to collaborate in persuading the juntas to rejoin the bloc.
Details of the talks were disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement titled “President Tinubu receives President Bassirou Faye of Senegal, says West Africa must work in unison to defeat terrorism, human trafficking.”
Tinubu’s appeal came four months after the three countries announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing “illegal sanctions” following unconstitutional changes in their governments.
In 2022, Burkina Faso experienced two coups, resulting in the overthrow of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré and later interim leader Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Damiba, with Captain Ibrahim Traoré now in power. Niger saw its President Mohammed Bazoum detained in June 2023, with General Abdourahamane Tchiani declaring himself leader.
In January 2024, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from the 49-year-old bloc. Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, warned in April that their departure jeopardizes nearly $1 billion in ECOWAS investments.
At the meeting, Tinubu stressed the importance of democratic governance and constitutional order. “Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa. It is a joy to have you here; to meet the hope and aspiration of our youths. You fit in perfectly well,” he said.
He highlighted the long history of cooperation between Nigeria and Senegal, describing them as brotherly nations with shared democratic values.
“I am glad that you are a shining example of patience, perseverance, and commitment to democratic values. We must partner to make our people the focus of our democratic commitment,” Tinubu added.
In response, President Faye expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to strengthen relations among member states and support negotiation efforts with junta-ruled states.
“ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community, and I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration. The union is going through a rough patch, but not everything is lost,” Faye concluded.
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