ECOWAS Parliament Pursues Diplomatic Efforts to Retain Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger

ECOWAS Parliament Pursues Diplomatic Efforts to Retain Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger

The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has affirmed that the ECOWAS Parliament is actively working to prevent the potential exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional bloc. Speaking to journalists in Abidjan, Kalu emphasized that diplomatic mechanisms are being deployed to encourage these countries to realign with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Kalu explained that the West African legislative body has initiated a process known as parliamentary diplomacy to engage with the leadership of the three Sahelian nations. He revealed that letters have already been sent, and soon, ECOWAS parliamentarians will visit these countries to hold discussions with their heads of government.

“We are opening the doors for them to return to the family. We need them,” Kalu stated. He acknowledged that the countries might have grievances but stressed the importance of dialogue and unity within the bloc.

“You can’t just forget them and say it doesn’t matter; that they can go on their own. No! We have to reach out to them and say we are better off as one family. I’m confident this approach will work,” he added.

Kalu also addressed concerns over the potential financial implications if the three countries choose to exit ECOWAS. He assured that the regional bloc’s finances would remain stable, noting that ECOWAS has multiple revenue sources, including the Community Levy, and that alternative funding strategies are available.

“There are many ways to raise funds for the parliament and the community. Development agencies and international partners are interested in supporting the sub-region, so financial stability will not be threatened,” Kalu concluded.