Despite their formal withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic have agreed to uphold certain agreements and protocols with the regional bloc.
This was disclosed by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, during the opening of the 94th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja.
Dr. Touray described the development as a significant step toward preserving regional cooperation, emphasizing that collective engagement and solidarity remain crucial in fast-tracking West Africa’s integration and development agenda.
The session, which convenes ministers from ECOWAS member states, is aimed at deliberating on pressing issues affecting the region, from economic integration to peace and security.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who chaired the meeting, called for sincere and result-oriented deliberations. He stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among member states, urging the council to focus on shared goals.
Ambassador Tuggar also invited council members to attend the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit, which aims to bring together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and regional economic advancement.
In a symbolic moment during the meeting, Charles Ndiaye of Senegal was sworn in as a new member of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority. The oath was administered by the President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.
Over the course of the session, the council is expected to examine key policy issues and offer strategic direction to enhance development, integration, and stability across West Africa.