The Presidency has revealed that some West African countries that previously opted out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following military takeovers are now reconsidering rejoining the regional bloc.
Reconsideration of ECOWAS Exit
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made this known to journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while seeing off President Bola Tinubu, who departed for France on a private visit.
According to Dare, President Tinubu, as the ECOWAS Chairman, had granted the three military-led countries—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—a six-month window to reconsider their decision before finalizing their withdrawal. While the deadline passed on January 29, Dare disclosed that at least one or two of these countries have expressed interest in reconnecting with ECOWAS under new terms.
“You have seen the military coups that occurred. You have seen what has come out of it and how he (Tinubu) has managed it, even to the point of giving the three countries six months to rethink and reconnect with ECOWAS. Of course, we know that January 29 has expired, and the process of their leaving 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.”
AU Summit and ECOWAS Report
President Tinubu is expected to attend the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s (AU) Executive Council, which is scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 12 to 16, 2025.
At the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State, he will present a detailed report on ECOWAS’ handling of the withdrawal process and the broader security situation in the region. The summit will also provide a platform for discussions with the military-led nations on possible realignment with ECOWAS.
Nigeria’s Key Diplomatic Gains
Dare further announced that a Nigerian national is set to assume a commissioner role on the AU’s Peace and Security Commission, a position he described as crucial for Nigeria.
“Beyond that, a Nigerian will become a commissioner on the Peace and Security Commission through consensus, and that is critical for us. The AU Peace and Security Commission is vital, and having a Nigerian commissioner on that body is essential.”
He also noted that the African Development Bank (AfDB) leadership will be a key topic at the AU summit, as the tenure of the current Nigerian AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, is coming to an end. With various countries lobbying for Nigeria’s endorsement, Dare emphasized that Nigeria and President Tinubu’s influence would be decisive in determining the next AfDB President.
“We know that the position of the AfDB president is up. We have several countries lobbying. A Nigerian is there now. As he rounds off, another person will have to go there, and we know that President Bola Tinubu will be one of the key presidents who will be sought out to determine who gets that position. In fact, it will be difficult for anyone to get that position without the support of Nigeria and the stamp of President Bola Tinubu.”
The upcoming AU summit presents a critical diplomatic opportunity for President Tinubu to engage with African leaders on regional stability, ECOWAS realignment, and Nigeria’s influence on key international appointments. With at least one or two of the breakaway countries showing interest in reconsidering their exit, the outcome of discussions in Addis Ababa could reshape the future of ECOWAS and Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa.
