The summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), scheduled for this Sunday, December 15 in Abuja, will take place in a tense climate, marked by the absence of the countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as challenges related to security and governance. The mediation of the Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on military transitions in the Sahel will constitute a central subject of the discussions.
The ECOWAS summit, which will be held this Sunday in Abuja, promises to be particularly difficult. Internal tensions within the organization, exacerbated by recent coups in the Sahel, risk further weakening regional unity. Although the foreign ministers have already laid the groundwork for this meeting, several major questions remain.
Remarkable absences
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, founding members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), once again declined the invitation to this summit. Their withdrawal from ECOWAS bodies, decided last July, continues to influence the debates. The leaders of these countries, who took power by force, justify their absence by their desire to escape what they consider to be interference in their internal affairs.
Beyond relations with the Sahel countries, ECOWAS must face other crucial challenges. The issue of security remains a priority, particularly in the face of intensifying terrorist attacks in the region. The effective implementation of the West African standby force will therefore be a key element of the negotiations.
Furthermore, the question of good governance and respect for the rule of law remains essential to guarantee the stability of the region. The case of Guinea, in the midst of a military transition, also raises concerns among ECOWAS leaders.
The challenges of mediation
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, special envoy for dialogue with the military authorities of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, is expected to present his mediation report during the summit. The results of this mediation are particularly awaited, especially with the deadline for the definitive withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS approaching.
Divergent positions between members of the organization risk complicating discussions. Some countries, such as Togo, have expressed a certain understanding towards the military leaders in power in the Sahel, while others, such as Ivory Coast, Benin or Nigeria, have adopted a firmer stance.
S. GUEYE
