The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has initiated steps to relocate its agencies and institutions from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, following the recent withdrawal of the three Sahel nations from the bloc. During an Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held on Wednesday in Accra, Ghana, member states discussed logistical plans for the relocation and the suspension of regional programmes in the three countries, which are currently under military rule. This meeting followed a directive from the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, issued at the bloc’s 66th Ordinary Session.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Chair of the Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, opened the session by urging calm, pragmatism, and unity. He acknowledged the gravity of the moment, calling it a “challenging chapter in ECOWAS’s history,” but stressed the need for adaptability and resilience.
“This session is not one we had hoped for,” Tuggar stated. “But in recognising the sovereignty of these nations under their current military governments, we must now adapt and chart a forward-looking path.”
According to a statement from Tuggar’s media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the council has been tasked with formulating a disengagement strategy. This includes relocating ECOWAS institutions and developing mitigation plans for the disruption of ongoing projects.
The ministers reviewed how to maintain continuity in key areas such as regional security, economic initiatives, and mobility. Proposals will soon be submitted outlining the transition of ECOWAS offices and activities to new host countries.
“The council will examine the potential relocation of ECOWAS institutions and agencies currently based in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, with an eye toward mitigating any disruptions caused by their exit,” the statement read.
Tuggar reaffirmed ECOWAS’s dedication to regional integration and highlighted its reputation as the continent’s most unified sub-regional body.
“While these developments are unprecedented, they also present an opportunity to renew and strengthen our resolve,” Tuggar noted. “Our unity has been tested before, and we emerged stronger. We will do so again.”
Deliberations are expected to continue, with member states anticipated to endorse a comprehensive plan for the relocation and restructuring of ECOWAS operations.