Abidjan, Ivory Coast – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is intensifying efforts to prevent Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from formally leaving the regional bloc.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu revealed on Saturday that the parliament is engaging in diplomatic overtures to reintegrate the three nations. He assured that letters have been dispatched to the respective governments, with parliamentary delegations expected to follow up with in-person visits.
Kalu expressed optimism about the potential for dialogue to reverse the countries’ decisions, emphasizing the importance of unity within ECOWAS.
Despite the looming threat of these nations exiting the bloc, Kalu dismissed concerns about ECOWAS’s financial stability. He highlighted the organization’s diverse revenue streams, including levies and contributions from development partners.
In addition to the diplomatic push, the ECOWAS Parliament is also seeking to bolster its own powers. Kalu, who chairs the Nigerian House of Representatives’ Constitutional Review Committee, advocated for reforms to strengthen the parliament’s independence and effectiveness.
The three countries announced their intention to leave ECOWAS in January, citing various grievances against the bloc. Since then, ECOWAS has imposed sanctions and engaged in diplomatic efforts to reverse their decisions, so far without success.
