Amidst growing tensions and concerns over the potential disintegration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has issued a fervent call for dialogue with aggrieved member countries to avert a crisis and safeguard regional unity….Read More Related Story Here ECOWAS Expresses Alarm Over Senegal Presidential Election Postponement.
Comprising prominent groups such as the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), the CSOs convened for a media interactive session in Lagos, where they underscored the urgency of addressing the grievances of member states to prevent further instability.
The coalition’s plea for dialogue comes amidst recent announcements of withdrawal from ECOWAS by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, following military takeovers that toppled democratic rule in these nations.
Expressing dismay at these developments, the CSOs emphasized the need to restore democratic governance and respect for constitutional processes in the affected countries.
In a communique issued at the conclusion of the dialogue, the CSOs highlighted the detrimental impact of sanctions imposed on member states, which have exacerbated hardships, particularly among vulnerable populations such as women and children.
Emphasizing the importance of upholding ECOWAS’s founding principles of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, the CSOs urged leaders to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue over divisive actions that could undermine regional integration and stability.
Signed by key representatives including CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), WACSOF’s General Secretary, Kop’ep Dabugat, and a TMG representative, Najaatu Mohammed, the communique urged member states to reflect on the collective achievements of regional integration and the benefits of collaboration.
Against the backdrop of ECOWAS’s pivotal role in promoting peace, free trade, and infrastructure development across the region, the CSOs warned against the erosion of these hard-won gains and stressed the imperative of fostering unity and cooperation.
As ECOWAS charts a course towards deeper integration and a single market, the CSOs emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize dialogue, respect for democratic norms, and collective action to address challenges and build a more resilient and prosperous West Africa.
In the face of mounting discontent and the specter of disintegration, the CSOs stand firm in their commitment to preserving ECOWAS as a beacon of regional cooperation and progress, calling on leaders to heed the voices of their citizens and prioritize the common good above narrow interests.
