The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed deep concern over the impact of recent military coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, stating that these events are contributing to regional insecurity.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, made these remarks during the 51st Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at Ministerial Level held in Abuja.
Touray emphasized that the security environment in the region has faced challenges due to political disruptions caused by military coups.
He mentioned that the transition processes in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso have faced obstacles amid worsening security situations.
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The recent attempted coup in Niger has further diverted attention from supporting these transition processes, creating an impression of a divide between the transition countries and ECOWAS.
The ECOWAS Commission President highlighted the severe consequences of insecurity in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
In these countries, millions of people are facing food insecurity, internal displacement, and the closure of schools.
Burkina Faso has the highest number of food-insecure people, while Niger and Mali also experience significant challenges.
The number of internally displaced persons and closed schools in these countries adds to the humanitarian crisis.
Touray emphasized that military coups, based on false narratives and justifications, exacerbate insecurity in the region.
He provided data on terrorist attacks and casualties from January to November 2023, illustrating the dire situation in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Despite the challenges, Touray pledged ECOWAS’s commitment to facilitating a quick return to constitutional order in the affected member states.
He also outlined efforts to address the humanitarian situation, including deploying funds from the Counterterrorism Fund for education, livelihood support, and resilience-building.
The Chairman of the mediation and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, underscored the importance of discussing collective challenges and devising strategies to address emerging threats.
The meeting aimed to shape policies for a comprehensive and coordinated response that aligns with the needs and aspirations of ECOWAS member states.
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