The Executive Director of West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Chukuemeka B. Eze has reacted to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger decision to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The decision, according to the three countries, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to exit from ECOWAS was declared on Sunday, citing concerns that the community has deviated from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
Speaking to Joy news, Chukuemeka Eze stated it is a huge challenge to the ECOWAS in terms of peace and security in the sahara region.
According to him, people are losing faith in inter-governmental oeganizations so such decisions are imminent.
“I think that Multilateralism is a globally challenged now, whether it is the United Nations (UN) the Africa Union or ECOWAS so one will argue that, even though it is unfortunate because the signs are already there that this could happen because peoples member states are losing faith in inter-governmental oeganizations” He said.
“I think it is a huge challenge especially for a region that is tacted as a beacon of integration, ECOWAS continues to be a reference point among other regional communities in Africa and even beyond. Is a region that is already ahead of others with regards to its intretion policies and therefore I think that coming together for what I described as the coalition of the willings of the Junta is the huge challenge not just with regards to peace and security situation in the sub-saharan region but also the entire region is challenge with this unfortunate thing” Eze stated.
He reiterated that the ECOWAS has turned deaf ears to requests and signs for a long time that has resulted in this.
Chukuemeka Eze however disagreed with the fact that the three countries are undeveloped and there is insecurity due to ECOWAS refusal to intervene in their issues.
“I will not accept that because if you look at the reasons why even the military gave to take over power, security is at the center of it and yet, whether it is in Mali, Burkina Faso or Niger both military takeover in these three countries security has worsened as it were. The economic situation has worsened, they could blame it to sanction which I don’t agree with. At the end of the day, the citizens are paying the price for this kind of illegal leadership in these three countries” He added.
Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reiterated its commitment to find a lasting solution to the political impasse in these three countries.
Responding to the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, ECOWAS in a communiqué said the three countries remain important members to the Community.
“The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these three countries for the restoration of constitutional order. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger remain important members to the Community and the authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse” The communique read.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
