ECOWAS founder makes urgent appeal, France wants to rectify this

On February 21, the co-founder of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), General Yakubu Gowon of Nigeria, called for the lifting of sanctions against countries where coups occurred.

Bất ổn ở Tây Phi: Người sáng lập ECOWAS ra lời kêu gọi khẩn thiết, Pháp muốn chỉnh đốn điều này

ECOWAS co-founder, General Yakubu Gowon. (Source: News reel daily)

At a meeting hosted by ECOWAS in Nigeria's capital Abuja, Mr Gowon warned that the community was at risk of being divided, calling on West African leaders to consider "lifting all sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger", Premium Times Nigeria reported .

In addition, the Nigerian general also called on the three countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to rethink their decision to withdraw their membership.

ECOWAS was plunged into crisis after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their withdrawal from the bloc last month. The region was also rocked by Senegalese President Macky Sall's decision to postpone elections.

West Africa's turmoil raises questions about ECOWAS' role

In another development related to the regional situation, Anadolu news agency reported that also on February 21, the French President's special envoy for Africa Jean-Marie Bockel visited the city of Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire, mentioning the reorganization of the European country's military presence in the West African country.

“For me, the term rectification seems to be the right term. The spirit is to make proposals, listen and then dialogue to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” Mr. Bockel said after an hour-long meeting with Côte d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara.

Côte d'Ivoire is considered one of France's strongest allies in West Africa, where about 900 French soldiers from the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion (43 BIMa) are stationed. According to France, the prospects for security cooperation between the two sides will focus on supporting the capacity of Côte d'Ivoire's military forces.

Mr. Bockel's visit took place as French President Emmanuel Macron tasked this official with discussing with African partners about Paris' new form of military presence in these countries on February 6.

Recently, the French army was forced to withdraw from Mali, Burkina Faso and then Niger, three West African countries currently led by military governments after coups.

The French government has affirmed its desire to profoundly change its relations with Africa, stressing that it listens above all to the requests of its partners, especially on security issues.

In addition to Côte d'Ivoire, three other African countries with military bases are also affected by this military system adjustment, including Senegal, Gabon and Chad.

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