- Cautions Against Using Force, Sanctions,
The former Head of State and last surviving founding member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has called for an enduring commitment to dialogue and cooperation among member nations of the sub-regional bloc, as ECOWAS approaches its milestone 50th anniversary.
Speaking at a recent roundtable held in Abuja, Gowon urged ECOWAS leaders to prioritize peaceful discussions in resolving regional disputes, rather than resorting to force or punitive sanctions.
The call comes amidst growing tensions within the community, especially following the decision of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS in response to sanctions imposed after military coups toppled their democratically elected governments.
The roundtable, organized by the Gusau Institute, saw the participation of three other former heads of state: Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim B. Babangida of Nigeria, as well as John Kufuor of Ghana.
The event brought together key stakeholders in West Africa’s peace, security, and development efforts, with a focus on shaping a collaborative future for the subregion.
In his address, General Gowon, reflecting on the 50-year history of ECOWAS, urged the community to remain united in purpose and resolute in its commitment to regional integration. “The road ahead is not without its challenges,” he said, “but through consistent dialogue and mutual understanding,
ECOWAS can overcome these obstacles and continue to be a force for peace and progress in West Africa.” He cautioned against using force and sanctions, noting that these measures only escalate conflicts, alienating nations that could otherwise contribute positively to regional stability.
The former leader also expressed hope regarding the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the group, which he described as a setback but not a death sentence for the organization. “While their exit is disappointing,” Gowon said, “I remain optimistic that ECOWAS will weather this storm. We should leave the door open for engagement and invite these countries back into the fold. Perhaps they can rejoin us at our 50th-anniversary celebrations, where we can discuss a path forward.”
A communique issued after the event highlighted the roundtable’s commitment to fostering dialogue on crucial issues facing the subregion. It noted that the hybrid nature of the event—featuring both in-person and virtual participation—allowed for candid, constructive exchanges. The discussions, held under the Chatham House Rule, ensured that all participants could speak freely without concerns about their statements being attributed to them publicly.
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Alongside Gowon, the roundtable was co-chaired by Dr. Mohammad Ibn Chambas and Ambassador Usman Sark, who have both long been active in ECOWAS’s efforts to strengthen peace and cooperation across West Africa. A wide-ranging group of high-level stakeholders participated in the event, including diplomats, former heads of state, and senior officials from ECOWAS.
Key participants included speakers from Senegal, Algeria, South Africa, The Gambia, and Kenya, alongside a notable delegation from the ECOWAS Secretariat led by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. The roundtable created a unique opportunity for these stakeholders to share perspectives on the future of ECOWAS, particularly as it navigates the complex challenges of maintaining unity and securing long-term stability in the region.
The roundtable’s focus was clear: fostering peace, security, and development through enhanced collaboration and dialogue. In light of the growing geopolitical shifts in West Africa, the meeting reinforced the necessity of unity and integration for the success of ECOWAS.
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As the organization looks to its 50th anniversary, participants agreed on the importance of continued engagement, emphasizing that while ECOWAS faces obstacles—some of them unprecedented—the path to a prosperous and secure West Africa lies in cooperation, understanding, and, most importantly, dialogue.
“We must approach the future of ECOWAS with renewed commitment and a shared vision for the betterment of our people,” said one of the speakers from the roundtable. “Only by coming together, setting aside differences, and embracing cooperation, can we ensure a brighter future for West Africa.”
With plans for the 50th-anniversary celebrations already underway, the roundtable participants expressed their hope that the coming year would provide an opportunity to reflect on the successes and lessons learned from the past five decades, while also charting a course for the next 50 years of ECOWAS’s evolution.
In closing, General Gowon’s words lingered in the room: “We must never forget that the true strength of ECOWAS lies in its people, and through dialogue and unity, we will continue to build a stronger, more resilient West Africa for generations to come.”
