Yakubu Gowon, former head of state of Nigeria and one of the founding members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called for the lifting of sanctions on countries affected by coups ahead of an emergency meeting of heads of state in the region.
Addressing concerns in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Gowon warned of the threat of disunity looming over ECOWAS. In an open letter to the Heads of State and ECOWAS member states, the 89-year-old emphasized the importance of preserving the community, stating, “Neither my generation nor future ones will forgive the dissolution of our union.”
Gowon urged West African leaders to take immediate action, proposing the lifting of sanctions on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger – countries currently under transitional powers following military coups. He also called for the withdrawal of notices to leave ECOWAS by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and advocated for a summit involving all 15 heads of state to discuss the future, security, and stability of the community.
As the last living witness to the establishment of the regional political and economic union, Gowon appealed to the authority of heads of state and government within ECOWAS to unite for peace and stability in the region.
Recent withdrawals from ECOWAS by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have plunged the bloc into crisis, exacerbated by President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone elections in Senegal. The region has also grappled with challenges such as coup incidents and the equitable distribution of natural resources.
Gowon’s call for unity comes amid heightened political tensions in West Africa, including military coups and shifts in alliances. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have formed a security alliance and sought support from Russia after severing military ties with France and other European nations.
In late January, the military juntas of these nations jointly criticized ECOWAS for imposing what they deemed as inhumane sanctions aimed at reversing recent coups.
