The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convenes an extraordinary Mediation and Security Council session at the ministerial level in Abuja. According to the agenda, the situation in Senegal, as well as the decision of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the regional organization, will be the main topics of discussion.
The Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union (AU) is expected to participate in Thursday’s meeting in Abuja. His stance is clear, as explained by a diplomat: ECOWAS and the AU seek to align their perspectives on the situation in the sub-region.
Proposals will be put forward to the heads of state of the regional institution, who are expected to convene on the issues in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the upcoming AU summit.
Regarding the situation in Senegal, there is an urgent need to clear the haze surrounding this shining example of democracy on the continent, as summarized by a minister participating in the meeting. The resolution in Dakar may hinge on respect for the law and the local political reality, noted another interlocutor.
In a statement, the sub-regional organization called on Senegal to “restore the electoral calendar.” Still, when questioned on France 24, the Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs was unequivocal, stating that Senegal had its agenda.
This extraordinary meeting underscores the gravity of the challenges facing the West African sub-region. The issues at hand require careful consideration and coordinated action by ECOWAS and its partners, including the AU. As regional and international stakeholders converge to address these crises, the hopes for stability and progress in West Africa remain high.