The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has emphasized that the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional bloc must not negatively impact the citizens of those countries or the broader West African region.
Speaking at the first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025, currently underway in Abuja, Touray reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to regional unity despite current political tensions.
“In line with decisions made by the Heads of State and Government, we convened an emergency meeting in April to develop a framework for negotiation. However, our primary concern is to ensure that citizens do not bear the brunt of this political process,” he said.
Touray noted that the ECOWAS Council of Ministers met in Accra, Ghana, to formulate strategies for direct negotiations with the three Sahel nations, which are expected to commence this week.
His comments come as ECOWAS prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, a milestone Touray described as an opportunity to reflect on the community’s achievements and future direction.
“This Golden Jubilee is not just a celebration. It is a moment of reflection—on where we’ve been, and where we want to go,” he added.
Looking ahead, he announced that a regional summit on the future of West Africa will be held later this year, with broad consultations involving various stakeholders.
Beyond political matters, Touray urged ECOWAS parliamentarians to initiate discussions on emerging challenges, particularly artificial intelligence. He warned that if left unchecked, AI could pose serious threats to the region’s youth and development.
The parliamentary session in Abuja continues until May 31.
