Some West African nations that recently announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following military coups are now reconsidering their decision, seeking ways to reengage with the regional bloc.
This development comes as President Bola Tinubu departs Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will attend the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Executive Council from February 12 to 16, 2025.
As the current ECOWAS Chairman, Tinubu is expected to present a comprehensive report on the bloc’s handling of the crisis.
The crisis began in January 2024, when Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their departure from ECOWAS, accusing the regional body of straying from its founding principles and succumbing to foreign influence. The three military-led states, which had faced ECOWAS-imposed sanctions following their respective coups, argued that the bloc had abandoned them.
In response, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States, prioritizing mutual defense and distancing themselves from traditional Western allies, particularly France, while deepening ties with Russia.
By December 2024, ECOWAS formally acknowledged their decision, setting January 29, 2025, as the official withdrawal date. However, the bloc introduced a six-month transition period—lasting until July 29, 2025—offering room for diplomatic dialogue.
Now, just weeks after the exit deadline passed, there are indications that at least one or two of these nations are reconsidering their stance.
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“You’ve seen the military coups that occurred and how President Tinubu has managed it, even to the point of giving the three countries six months to rethink and reconnect with ECOWAS,” said Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, in a statement on Wednesday.
“Of course, January 29 has passed, and the withdrawal process is almost concluded, but we also know that one or two of these countries are trying to reach back and take advantage of the six-month window,” he added.
This potential reversal signals a shift in regional dynamics. As Tinubu heads to Addis Ababa, the AU Summit presents a crucial moment for discussions with African leaders and the affected states.
Beyond the ECOWAS crisis, Nigeria’s influence on the African stage is expanding. Dare revealed that a Nigerian will assume a Commissioner role in the AU’s Peace and Security Commission, a position he described as “critical” for the country.
“This is part of the gains of President Tinubu’s foreign initiatives and policies,” Dare stated.
Additionally, as the tenure of Nigerian-born African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina nears its end, intense lobbying has begun for his successor. Dare emphasized that Nigeria’s support will be pivotal in determining the next AfDB leader.
The Addis Ababa gathering is shaping up to be a high-stakes event, where Nigeria’s delegation, led by Tinubu, will engage in crucial diplomatic discussions.
“The AU meeting is our United Nations—just like the UN General Assembly in New York every September. This one is in Addis Ababa, and it is critical,” Dare explained.
