Gowon Optimistic on Niger, Others Return to ECOWAS Following Renewed Talks

Ex Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has expressed hope that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will eventually rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following renewed diplomatic outreach by the regional bloc.

Speaking at the “ECOWAS at 50” international conference held Tuesday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, Gowon said the withdrawal of the three Sahel nations earlier this year was regrettable but not irreversible. 

The event was organized in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

In January 2025, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their formal exit from ECOWAS after prolonged tensions with the bloc, largely due to their military-led governments’ refusal to return to democratic rule. 

ECOWAS acknowledged the withdrawal but allowed a six-month window for reconsideration.

Gowon, a founding figure of ECOWAS, said the bloc must continue pushing for reconciliation. 

“Though ECOWAS has lost three members, I believe they can still return. Ongoing diplomatic missions are crucial steps in that direction,” he said.

In a symbolic show of inclusivity, Gowon even proposed renaming the bloc to the Economic Community of West African States and Sahel (ECOWASS), if it would ease reintegration efforts. 

He emphasized the importance of unity, peace, and regional stability.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, also commended Nigeria’s quiet diplomatic efforts, citing the recent fuel assistance to Niger as a gesture that strengthened regional ties. 

“Rather than public fanfare, Nigeria quietly supported its neighbor with 300 fuel tankers. That’s diplomacy that preserves dignity,” he noted.

Akinyemi added that a recent visit by Niger’s Foreign Minister to Nigeria signals that dialogue remains ongoing, expressing confidence in the eventual return of the three countries to the regional body.

German Consul General in Lagos, Weert Börner, cautioned African countries against overreliance on external powers like Russia, urging ECOWAS to focus on regional challenges such as terrorism and trade. 

Similarly, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Resident Representative, Marija Peran, called for stronger regional integration in areas like security, governance, and sustainable development, noting that instability and cross-border crimes remain major threats to progress in West Africa.