Former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has called upon the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reconsider and lift sanctions imposed on Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger Republic. Gowon, a key architect of ECOWAS, conveyed this plea through an open letter addressed to the Heads of State and the member states of ECOWAS in Abuja on Wednesday evening.
In response to military takeovers in their respective nations, the sub-regional political-economic bloc had imposed sanctions on the three countries. Recently, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic declared their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.
Gowon, speaking at a press conference held at the ECOWAS Commission’s headquarters, expressed his concerns regarding the potential threat to the bloc’s unity posed by the withdrawal of these countries. He emphasized that such a development could have far-reaching implications for the ordinary citizens of the region.
“It saddens me to learn that ECOWAS is threatened with disunity following the announcement by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—three important member states of their intention to leave the community.
“The impact of such a decision will have far-reaching implications for ordinary citizens who have been the major beneficiaries of regional integration.
“The ECOWAS authorities should immediately consider the implementation of the lifting of all sanctions that have been imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger,” he said.
The former Head of State also urged the West African leaders, including leaders of the three countries planning to exit, to re-unite for peace and stability in the region.
It was reported that the former Nigerian leader also presented the open letter to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray.
