Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former head of state, has implored West African leaders to remain committed to democracy.
Gowon, who played a key role in the founding of the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975, spoke on Wednesday during
the organisation’s 50th anniversary celebration in Lagos.
He said the region continues to face serious challenges, from
insecurity and political instability, to youth unemployment and economic
shocks.
The ex-military ruler, however, said the situation should
serve as a wake-up call to recommit to the principles of good governance,
economic cooperation, solidarity, and inclusivity.
“Let us not forget the many challenges we have faced over
the past 50 years. Political crisis, coup d’etat, civil wars, political crisis,
economic shocks, pandemics, terrorism, and the shifting pressures of
globalisation. Yet through it all, ECOWAS has endured,” he said.
“It has adapted to changing circumstances, undertaken
critical reform, and consistently renewed its commitment to the founding ideals
that bind us together.
“However, today is not only a day to celebrate the past, but
it is also a moment to reflect on the present and chart the course for the
future.
“Our region still grapples with daunting challenges. Youth
unemployment. We grapple with all these problems and challenges, and especially
insecurity and political instability.
“And in recent years, we have witnessed troubling resurgence
of military coups in some of our member states.
“We thought that was over, but it seems as though personal
ambition drives some people to do the wrong thing. Let me say this. Believe in
democracy is what I am now advising all members of ECOWAS and other countries.
“We must not let these setbacks define us. Rather, let them
awaken us to the urgent need to recommit to the core principles of good
governance, economic cooperation, solidarity, and inclusivity.”
‘THEY WILL FIND REASONS TO RETURN’
Speaking on the departure of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso
from the bloc, Gowon expressed hopes that the countries might reconsider their
decision and find reasons to return to ECOWAS.
“As the bonds of history, culture, and shared destiny remain
unbroken, I am confident that with goodwill and sincere engagement, they will
find reasons to return to ECOWAS,” he said.
On January 28, 2024, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced
they were severing ties with ECOWAS.
The three countries criticised ECOWAS over the sanctions
imposed on them as part of efforts to reverse the coups in their countries.
Of the three, Mali was the first to temporarily pull out of
ECOWAS in 2021.
The decision was taken after the country experienced two
coups in less than a year.
After imposing sanctions on Mali, ECOWAS said suspending the
country would ensure the return of democracy.
In January 2022, ECOWAS suspended Burkina Faso after a
military coup led by Paul Henri Damiba, which saw the democratic government of
former President Roch Kabore ousted by mutinying soldiers.
Niger was the latest country to be suspended after soldiers
led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, a general and head of the presidential guard,
overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum over “bad governance and worsening
security”.
In January 2025, the three nations formally withdrew from
the bloc.
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