AFRICA

CSOs Recommend Dialogue to Mitigate Disintegration of ECOWAS

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations, has recommended dialogue as a solution to curb the seeming disintegration of members of the Economic Community of West African States, and the restoration of democratic rule in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

The coalition consisted the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), have

They made this recommendation during a one-day media interactive session, on Monday in Lagos State, to discuss and proffer solutions to the disintegration currently going on among members of the ECOWAS

In a communique issued at the end of the session, signed by the Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the General Secretary, of West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), Kop’ep Dabugat and a representative from the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Najaatu Mohammed, they recommend dialogue as a solution in restoring democratic rule to Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, who recently opted out of ECOWAS

The communique read: “We have watched with dismay the events surrounding the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the recent announcement of the withdrawal of the Republic of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the regional community.

“While CSOs continue to condemn in totality military rule in the region rather than resorting to constitutional measures, the threat of gradual disintegration of a community which had hitherto served as best practice template for regional integration in Africa cannot be overlooked.

“It is imperative for Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, and indeed the rest of the member states of ECOWAS to have a deep reflection over the collective milestones of the regional integration collectively achieved, including peace missions to member states; free mobility of people, goods and services; trade enhancement through the removal of customs duties and tariffs on commodities; as well as collective infrastructural development efforts such as the West African power pool leading to the construction of Diama and Manatali dams in Senegal and Mali respectively.

“At a time when the region is advancing discussions of a single market to further boost trade and development, it is completely disheartening to see leaders shun the channel of diplomacy and dialogue and instead attempt to disintegrate the community.”

In pursuit of a more integrated and stronger community of states in the West African region, the CSOs called on the authorities of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to rescind their decisions to withdraw from ECOWAS.

They also urged state and non-state actors in the region to intensify engagements towards ensuring a more united ECOWAS.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Matt Gaetz To Exit Congress Following Withdrawal As DOJ Nominee Amid Controversy

Matt Gaetz has said he will not return to Congress after withdrawing as Trump’s DOJ…

9 mins ago

Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval For Oluyede As Chief Of Army Staff

President Tinubu has sought Senate confirmation of Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff, citing…

19 mins ago

Netanyahu Risks Arrest in UK as ICC Issues Warrant Against Him For War Crimes

Israeli PM Netanyahu faces potential arrest in the UK as Downing Street pledges to fulfill…

3 hours ago

Second Australian Teen Dies from Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos

A second Australian teenager has died of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, bringing to six…

3 hours ago

Simon Ekpa Arrested, Denies Being IPOB Leader + Atiku Says Tinubu’s Loans Are Bone-Crushing – Trending With Ojy Okpe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFlFl1mPGC8 The arrest of self-proclaimed Prime minister of the Biafra Republic, Simon Ekpa who was…

4 hours ago

Gatwick Airport South Terminal Evacuated, Bomb Disposal Team Deployed Suspicious Item Found In Luggage

Gatwick Airport's South Terminal was evacuated after a suspected prohibited item was found, prompting bomb…

4 hours ago