Yakubu Gowon, the last surviving founding member of ECOWAS, remains hopeful about the regional bloc's future despite the recent withdrawals of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He emphasizes dialogue and unity at a roundtable conference in Abuja, suggesting continued engagement with departing nations.
Former Niger ian head of state Yakubu Gowon , the last surviving founding member of the Economic Community of West Africa n States ( ECOWAS ), expressed optimism about the regional bloc 's future despite recent withdrawals by Burkina Faso , Mali , and Niger . Gowon made his remarks at a roundtable conference in Abuja hosted by the Gusau Institute, a think tank focused on research-driven solutions for peace, security, and development.
The event attracted 46 participants, including prominent figures like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-military President Ibrahim Babangida, and John Kufuor. Speakers from various ECOWAS member states, such as Senegal, Algeria, Ghana, South Africa, The Gambia, and Kenya, engaged in discussions centered around the challenges and opportunities facing ECOWAS as it approaches its 50th anniversary in May. Gowon, reflecting on ECOWAS' history and current difficulties, emphasized the significance of dialogue and unity, cautioning against the use of force or sanctions against member states. While acknowledging the departures of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Gowon remained hopeful about ECOWAS's future, asserting that the bloc is not defunct. He advocated for continued engagement with the departing nations and suggested inviting them to the upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations, harboring the hope of their eventual return. Gowon served as Nigeria's head of state from 1966 to 1975 and played a pivotal role in establishing ECOWAS
ECOWAS Yakubu Gowon Burkina Faso Mali Niger Africa Regional Bloc Peace Security Development
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
APC Founding Member Urges Presidential Economic Team to Support Tinubu's Renewed Hope AgendaOsita Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on the Presidential Economic Team to avoid derailing President Bola Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope' agenda. He emphasized the need for the team to support Tinubu's efforts to improve Nigeria's economy and secure victory in the 2027 election.
Read more »
SERAP sues Nigerian govt at ECOWAS Court over ‘misuse of Cybercrimes Act’The ECOWAS Court had “ordered Nigerian authorities to stop using section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015 to prosecute anyone on the grounds of insulting or stalking public officials online.”
Read more »
ECOWAS: That this January will not see the end of the West Africa dreamThe article discusses the potential for ECOWAS to overcome the current tensions with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who have formed the Association of Sahel States (AES) and withdrawn from ECOWAS. The author argues that both sides should work together to forge a new unity and reject French neo-colonialism.
Read more »
Harmul Weight Gain Product Sold Despite Ban, ECOWAS Remains OptimisticThis news package investigates the unregulated sale of a banned weight gain product in Nigeria despite its known health risks. It also highlights the positive outlook of ECOWAS for the future of West Africa and includes tributes to a young individual who recently passed away.
Read more »
ECOWAS Establishes Special Tribunal for The Gambia to Prosecute Yahya Jammeh-Era CrimesThe Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute crimes committed during the rule of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh. The tribunal, a hybrid court with Gambian and international personnel, is a significant step towards achieving justice and accountability for the widespread human rights violations that occurred during Jammeh's 22-year reign.
Read more »
The ECOWAS-backed special criminal court in The Gambia: A triumph for regional complementarity?Nigeria's independent online newspaper
Read more »