ECOWAS threatens to suspend funding for Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger due to withdrawal

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong warning to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

The regional bloc has threatened to suspend funding for projects in these countries following their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.

During his speech at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Aliou Omar Touray, expressed concern about the potential consequences of the withdrawal.

He emphasised that the suspension of funding could have a significant impact on economic and financial cooperation, including investments from regional financial institutions.

Touray also highlighted that the closure of ECOWAS regional structures in these countries would be a direct result of their withdrawal. This, in turn, would affect the employment security of ECOWAS personnel from these nations.

While addressing the audience, Touray also mentioned that the midyear report would showcase the extensive work done in various sectors such as agriculture and environment, education and culture, and mines and energy, particularly renewable energy. He emphasized the importance of highlighting these accomplishments to change the narrative that ECOWAS is solely focused on conflicts, elections, and coups d’état.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission further acknowledged the positive developments in the region, including peaceful transitions of political authority in Senegal and successful elections in Togo.

He commended the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone for his efforts in resolving various issues through a national unity agreement.

Despite these positive developments, Touray emphasised that the region still faces numerous challenges, including climate change, terrorism, violent extremism, and food insecurity. The unsustainable exploitation of land, forest, and maritime resources also threatens the livelihoods of communities. Additionally, governance deficits and marginalization have strained social contracts, leading to rivalries and unhealthy competition.

Touray also raised concerns about the region becoming a battleground for geopolitical rivalries and the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which undermine social cohesion and trust among communities.