The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre’s Director of Academic Affairs and Research, Professor Kwesi Aning, has expressed concerns over the threat to the stability of the remaining members of ECOWAS.
During an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Professor Aning emphasized the critical lack of understanding among ECOWAS states regarding the shifting forces in the sub-region, the expectations of their populations, and the ongoing constitutional challenges surrounding elections.
Professor Aning pointed out that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have decided to break away from the regional union. He believes these states will successfully navigate the changing dynamics.
According to Security Expert and Senior UN Mediation Advisor, Dr. Emmanuel Bombande, the intention of these states to break away is genuine. He suggested that preventive measures and diplomatic dialogues could potentially reverse these intentions.
Dr. Bombande observed that the coastal states were more concerned with preventing the spread of terrorism southward, rather than addressing the root causes in the Sahel states.
The conversation among the Sahel states reflects their desire to take control of their destinies, as they feel abandoned by their counterparts in West Africa.
This development raises concerns about the cohesion and stability of ECOWAS, and further dialogue and cooperation among member states will be crucial to address these challenges.
