During the weekly press conference organized by the Ministry of Information And Civic Education on Tuesday, January 30th, 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Sierra Leone, Timothy Kabba, has provided insights into President Julius Maada Bio’s influential role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and addressed the recent developments involving Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announcing their immediate withdrawal from the regional bloc.

Speaking on President Bio’s contributions, Kabba emphasized the strength and experience ECOWAS gains from the Sierra Leonean leader. President Bio has played a crucial role in resolving coup-related challenges in West African countries, as demonstrated during the recent coup in Guinea. Kabba praised Bio for being among the first ECOWAS leaders to intervene and help stabilize the situation, showcasing his deep understanding of the dynamics involved in military coups.

Regarding the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS, Minister Kabba clarified that these nations express a willingness to collaborate with the regional bloc. However, the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS have adversely affected the lives of citizens in these countries. ECOWAS is actively engaged in diplomatic negotiations to encourage the return to constitutional democracy and address the delicate issues at hand.

Kabba stressed that ECOWAS is committed to continued dialogue with the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The primary goal is to persuade them to remain part of the ECOWAS community. The withdrawal of these countries would mean a significant loss for the regional bloc, as they collectively occupy 2.6 million square kilometers of West Africa’s landmass and represent 15% of the total population in the region.

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The Minister highlighted the potential consequences of withdrawing privileges, such as free movement, from these nations. The impact would extend to the citizens, hindering their ability to conduct business and transport goods and services freely. Kabba particularly emphasized the presence of communities like the Fula, who are widely spread across West Africa, engaging in various business activities.

In accordance with Article 48 of the ECOWAS Constitution, which stipulates that member countries should inform the bloc a year before their intended withdrawal, ECOWAS is actively pursuing negotiations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The regional body seeks to find common ground that preserves the unity and stability of the ECOWAS bloc, ensuring the continued cooperation of these vital West African nations.