1 week ago
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ABUJA – The West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) has warned that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the ECOWAS regional bloc undermines regional integration and weakens the collective response to escalating security threats being experienced.
In a press statement issued in Abuja Nigeria, signed by Mr Ugochukwu James , made available to Daily Independent on Monday, WACSOF highlighted the growing threat of extremist groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), and Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM).
These groups according to the statement are exploiting instability, expanding their influence, and launching attacks that endanger regional security.
Although, the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has pledged to enhance military cooperation, WACSOF has cautioned that without broader regional coordination, terrorist groups may exploit this fragmentation to perpetrate harm.
It therefore called for renewed collaboration between ECOWAS, the African Union, and AES to create a unified security strategy.
WACSOF also expressed concern over the economic consequences of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s withdrawal in trade and mobility noting that as landlocked nations, they depend heavily on ECOWAS member states for access to coastal ports.
WACSOF said although
(AfCFTA) presents a potential solution, but its success depends on West African nations harmonizing trade policies.
WACSOF urged ECOWAS, AES, and national governments to engage in diplomatic negotiations to ensure continued economic integration that benefits all citizens.
On the state of democratic governance in West Africa, WACSOF warned that recent military coups, alongside constitutional manipulations to extend presidential terms in Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, are eroding democratic integrity, saying that this political double standards must change for good governance in the West African region.
WACSOF also raised concerns over increasing media repression. The closure of independent media outlets in Guinea, censorship laws in Benin, and restrictions on press freedom across the region pose serious threats to democracy.
“The organization strongly condemns these actions and urges governments to respect press freedom, emphasizing that an independent media is essential for transparency and good governance.”
WACSOF according to the statement is calling on ECOWAS, AES, and all West African governments to strengthen regional security cooperation to combat terrorism and organized crime, maintain economic collaboration to ensure trade and development, protect press freedom and ensure journalists can operate without fear.
Others are to uphold democratic principles by ensuring fair elections and respecting constitutional term limits.
WACSOF urged West Africa leaders to prioritize unity, dialogue, and peace, advocating a collective, coordinated approach for ensuring security, stability, and prosperity across the region.
“WACSOF remains committed to advocating for the interests of West African citizens and working with all stakeholders to build a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated region.”
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