Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has said the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States has weakened regional integration efforts in West Africa.
Dare said the decision by the three Sahel countries to leave the regional bloc had created new challenges for economic cooperation, movement of people and goods, and collective efforts to address security concerns across the region.
The former minister noted that ECOWAS had played an important role in promoting political and economic integration among West African countries since its establishment.
He expressed concern that the departure of the three countries could affect the bloc’s ability to pursue its integration agenda effectively and coordinate responses to common regional challenges.
Dare also stressed the importance of dialogue between ECOWAS and the countries that withdrew from the organisation, arguing that continued engagement would be necessary to protect the interests of citizens across the region.
He said West African countries share strong historical, cultural and economic ties that should not be allowed to deteriorate because of political disagreements.
The former minister urged ECOWAS leaders to explore diplomatic and constructive approaches to rebuilding trust and strengthening cooperation with the affected countries.
He further called for renewed efforts to promote regional trade, improve infrastructure connecting member states and strengthen institutions responsible for advancing integration.
According to him, a more united West Africa would be better positioned to address security threats, promote economic development and improve opportunities for its citizens.
The comments come amid ongoing efforts by ECOWAS to manage the implications of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which formally left the regional organisation in January 2025.
