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| Ndume Anticipates Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger's Return to ECOWAS |
During an interview with reporters at the sidelines of the ECOWAS Parliament Extraordinary session in Kano, North West Nigeria, Senator Ndume revealed that the conditions for their return are now ready
Senator Ali Ndume, a Nigerian lawmaker and member of the ECOWAS Parliament, is hopeful that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic will reverse their decision to exit the regional bloc.
During an interview with reporters at the sidelines of the ECOWAS Parliament Extraordinary session in Kano, North West Nigeria, Senator Ndume revealed that the conditions for their return are now ready.
He mentioned that the countries' temporary departure is over, and the necessary measures to reintegrate them have been established.
The decision to depart was initially taken following a coup in Niger, which was universally condemned by all ECOWAS member nations, leading to sanctions.
With the lifting of restrictions and bans by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, under the leadership of Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, it is now up to the three nations to respond in kind.
Senator Ndume, who is deeply involved in the reconciliation efforts, expressed confidence that the resolution is near, citing positive feedback from an ad hoc committee formed to address the issue.
In January, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso declared their intention to leave ECOWAS, responding to their earlier suspension from the bloc due to coups d'état.
The countries publicly announced their decision to sever ties with the West African community, citing a "sovereign decision" made for the welfare of their citizens.
The military takeover in Mali occurred in August 2020, while Burkina Faso experienced a government overthrow in September 2022. In July 2023, a coup in Niger led to the democratic government's ousting, prompting ECOWAS to sanction the three Sahelian nations.
