ECOWAS Disappointed With Lack Of Progress In Reconciling With Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it was displeased over the lack of progress made so far in the reconciliation attempts with the junta-led countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

“The Authority expresses disappointment with the lack of progress in engagements with the authorities of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and instructs the President of the Commission to facilitate a more vigorous approach,” ECOWAS said in a communique that was published Monday.

The three military-led countries withdrew from the West African Union in January. Last Saturday, the three signed a confederation treaty to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

During a summit in Abuja on Sunday, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Oumar Touray, said the West African region was at risk of disintegration and worsening insecurity after the three junta states signed the confederation treaty.

Nonetheless, the commission assigned the presidents of Senegal and Togo to negotiate with the three breakaway states to rejoin ECOWAS.

ECOWAS leaders also agreed to mobilise 5,000 strong regional standby counter-terrorism forces, which will start as a brigade of 1,650 members and then increase over time.

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