Can ECOWAS curb security concerns amid junta-led breakaway?
The Economic Community of West African states has condemned recent attacks on Benin border districts with Niger and Burkina Faso. Ikemesit Effiong, Partner at SBM Intelligence joins CNBC Africa for more on the relevance of ECOWAS and its capacity to curtail security concerns and any further breakaway following the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States.
Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:05:16 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- ECOWAS faces the task of redefining its mission for member states, focusing on security and economic cooperation.
- Efforts are underway to maintain cooperation with breakaway Sahelian states to preserve security and economic partnerships.
- West African democracies prioritize economic growth to ensure sustainable development and improved living standards.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has recently denounced the attacks on Benin border districts with Niger and Burkina Faso, sparking discussions on the organization's capability to address security concerns amidst potential breakaways. Ikemesit Effiong, Partner at SBM Intelligence, sheds light on ECOWAS's current position and its capacity to mitigate security threats, especially following the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States. Effiong highlights the need for ECOWAS to redefine its mission for remaining member states, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, within the security and economic cooperation framework. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining crucial lines of cooperation with the breakaway Sahelian states, suggesting a potential soft exit akin to the relationship between Norway and Switzerland with the European Union. Effiong notes that despite recent challenges, ECOWAS and the breakaway states are exploring avenues for continued collaboration, including preserving visa-free access for citizens. This cooperative approach aims to ensure a smooth transition while sustaining vital security and economic ties.
Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about about our products and services. By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
