1. The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in an Extraordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria on 24th February 2024, under the chairmanship of H.E. Bola Ahmed TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority.
2. The Extraordinary Summit was convened to consider the political, peace and security situation in West Africa.
3. Present at the Summit were the following Heads of State and Government or their mandated representatives:
• H.E. Patrice TALON, President of the Republic of Benin.
• H.E. Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
• H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO, President of the Republic of Ghana.
• H.E. Umaro Sissoco EMBALO, President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau.
• H.E. Bola Ahmed TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• H.E. Macky SALL, President of the Republic of Senegal.
• H.E. Julius Maada BIO, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
• H.E. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, President of the Togolese Republic.
• H.E. Muhammed B. JALLOW, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia.
• H.E. Amb. Belarmino M. SILVA, Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS of the Republic of Cabo Verde.
• H.E. Amb. Alhassan CONTEH, Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS of the Republic of Liberia.
4. The Summit was also attended by:
● H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
● H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission on behalf of the Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat.
● H.E. Leonardo Santos SIMÃO, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel and Head of UNOWAS.
● H.E. Dr. George Agyekum Nana Donkor, President, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
● H.E. Jean-Claude Kassi-Brou, Governor, Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)
● Ambassador Baba Kamara, ECOWAS Special Envoy on Counter-Terrorism.
The Authority, having
5. Received the memoranda of the President of the ECOWAS Commission on the political, peace and security situation in the West African region.
6. Extensively discussed the latest developments in the region.
7. Discussed the situation in the Republic of Niger since 26 July 2023 when the Military of the Republic of Niger overthrew the Government of President Mohamed Bazoum and kept him under house arrest.
8. Discussed the notifications given by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger about their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.
On the Republic of Niger, the Authority
Recalled its decisions taken during the 1st and 2nd Extraordinary Sessions on Niger on 30 July and 10 August 2023 and those taken at its 64th Ordinary Session on 10 December 2023.
9. Notes with regret that despite multiple efforts by ECOWAS, former President Mohamed Bazoum remains in detention and no plan for transition has been developed by the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP) government of Niger.
10. Recalls the ECOWAS principle of Zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government as enshrined in the ECOWAS and African Union Protocol and Charter, respectively, and other instruments.
11. Reiterates its commitment to maintaining dialogue with the Government of Niger with a view to securing the release of President Bazoum and agreeing on a transition timetable.
12. Takes note of the lent period and the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.
13. Also takes note of the appeal made to the leaders of the region by His Excellency General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and founding father of ECOWAS, the pleas made by the Malehossou Foundation in Benin and several other personalities and humanitarian organizations regarding the situation in Niger.
On the Withdrawal of the Three Countries
14. The Authority notes that the withdrawal will have political, socio-economic, financial and institutional implications for the three countries as well as for ECOWAS as a group. Political and Security Implications
15. The Authority recalled that within the framework of regional cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, and organized crime, the three countries benefited from USD 100 million mobilized by UEMOA within the context of ECOWAS Plan of Action against terrorism. Moreover, some Fund allocations (USD7.5 m) have been made towards supporting the three countries in acquiring equipment to help their fight against terrorism.
16. The withdrawal will affect security cooperation in terms of sharing intelligence and participation in regional counter-terrorism initiatives, such as the Accra Initiative and Multinational Joint Task Force.
17. The withdrawal may also lead to diplomatic and political isolation at the international scene where the countries have obtained bloc support for their candidates and candidature in the contest for international positions within the African Union, the United Nations, and similar bodies.
Socio-Economic Implications
18. The withdrawal will automatically affect the immigration status of the citizens as they may be required to obtain visa to travel around the region. Citizens may no longer be able to reside or set up businesses under ECOWAS arrangements and may be subject to diverse national laws. The three countries 6 will cease to use ECOWAS passports, ECOWAS Biometric National Identity Card and the region-wide "ECOWAS Brown Card" vehicle insurance.
19. The three member states represent 17.4% of the region’s 425 million population. Even though they represent 10% of the region’s GDP, their departure will constitute a reduction of the market size of ECOWAS.
20. Intra-community trade may also be disrupted, especially trade in unprocessed goods such livestock, fish, plant, agriculture produce, mineral products and Traditional Handicraft Products as well as Industrial Products of Community Origin.
21. The Authority further notes that the three countries are beneficiaries of several regional projects and programmes, notably:
a. The Regional Food Security Reserve (the three countries host stocks from the Regional Reserve for a quantity of nearly 17,000 tons or 52% of the regional stock).
b. The Regional Support Program for Pastoralism in the Sahel (PRAPS – Financed by the World Bank) in the amount of USD 215 million for the three States.
c. The Sahel Regional Irrigation Support Program (PARIS – Financed by the World Bank) in the amount of USD 103.43 million for the three States.
d. The Regional Food System Resilience Support Program (FSRP funded by the World Bank) in the amount of USD 230 million for the three states.
e. West Africa Single Identity and Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) project.
f. The ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market (West Africa Power Pool) project that links all member states to a regional electricity grid for improved access to electricity involves the three member states.
22. The withdrawal of the three Member States could result in the halt or suspension of all ECOWAS Projects/Programmes worth more than US$500 million.
Financial Implications
23. The Authority notes that the two regional financial institutions, EBID and BOAD have considerable exposure in the three countries. EBID currently has 27 ongoing public sector projects in the three countries (Burkina Faso 9, Mali 8, and Niger 10) and a total of 20 private sector projects (Burkina Faso- 5; Mali -13 and Niger- 2). These projects are collectively valued at approximately USD 321,634,253 of which public sector projects constitute 38.1 per cent and private sector projects constitute 61.9 per cent.
24. The bank’s portfolio in the three countries represents approximately 22.5 per cent of the Bank’s total portfolio in the 15 member states. The three countries contributed a total of USD 33,135,445.38 to the capital of the Bank, made up as follows: Burkina Faso - USD 13m; Mali - USD 9.5m; and Niger - USD 10.5m.
Institutional Implications
25. Reviewing the implications at the institutional level, the Authority notes that the withdrawal will not only require the closure of 4 regional entities in Burkina Faso, two regional bodies in Mali and one regional office in Niger, it will also affect the job security of some 130 ECOWAS staff who are citizens of the three countries: 77 from Burkina Faso; 23 from Mali and 32 from Niger.
THE AUTHORITY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Release of President Bazoum
26. The Authority calls for the immediate release of His Excellency Mohamed Bazoum, former President of the Republic of Niger as well as his family and political detainees;
On Sanctions
27. The Authority decides to lift with immediate effect the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger:
a. Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger;
b. Institution of ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger;
c. Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger;
d. Freeze of all service transaction including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic ;
e. Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks;
f. Freeze of assets of the Niger State, State Enterprises and Parastatals in Commercial Banks;
g. Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly, EBID and BOAD;
h. Travel ban on government officials and their family members.
28. The Authority decides to lift restrictions on the recruitment of citizens of the Republic of Mali to professional positions within ECOWAS institutions.
29. The Authority decides to lift financial and economic Sanctions on the Republic of Guinea. 9
30. The Authority instructs the President of the Commission to invite all four ECOWAS Member States in transition to technical and consultative meetings of ECOWAS as well as to all security-related meetings.
31. The Authority decides to maintain all other measures provided for by the relevant decisions and instruments of ECOWAS and the African Union and to review them from time to time in accordance with progress realized.
32. The Authority calls on ECOWAS Institutions, Member States, WAEMU and all other regional institutions to implement these decisions.
On the Withdrawal of the Three Countries, the Authority:
33. Takes note of the notifications by the three Member States of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
34. Draws the attention of the three Member States to Article 91 of the 1993 ECOWAS Revised Treaty regarding the procedures of withdrawal while urging the countries to reconsider the decision, in view of the benefits that all ECOWAS Member States and their citizens enjoy for being part of the Community.
35. Expresses its Concern over the socio-economic, political, security and humanitarian impacts of the decision, particularly on the citizens of the three Member States and on the regional integration process, and further urges the three Member States to resort to dialogue, negotiation, and mediation to address their concerns.
36. Urges the three Member States to adhere to the provisions of the 1993 Revised Treaty, relating to withdrawal, particularly Article 91.
37. Directs the ECOWAS Commission to sustain the Community’s rapprochement and overtures towards the three Member States and continue to remain seized of the situation.
38. Instructs the ECOWAS Commission to engage the African Union, UEMOA, UN and other international organizations as well as bilateral partners on the issue with a view to convincing the three Member States to remain in the Community.
39. Directs the ECOWAS Commission to broaden the Community outreach towards the three Member States to include traditional and religious leaders, eminent personalities, civil society and women leaders for the unity and security of the region.
40. Reiterates the urgent need for the ECOWAS Commission to expedite the operationalization of the Standby Force in its kinetic mode to fight against terrorism in the region, including the elements of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the Accra Initiative, as directed by the Authority. In this regard, instructs the Commission as soon as possible to convene the meeting of Ministers of Finance and Defence to propose modalities for financing and equipping the counter-terrorism force.
41. Further instructs the Commission to develop an effective communication strategy in engaging Member States and the Community citizens in view of the ongoing mis/disinformation targeted at undermining ECOWAS.
On the Republic of Senegal
42. The Authority takes note of the end of President Macky Sall’s term of office on 2 April 2024 and commends him for the tremendous achievements in infrastructure and economic development he has realized as President of the Republic of Senegal and for his invaluable leadership in Africa and the world. 11
43. The Authority Calls on all Senegalese stakeholders to give priority to dialogue with a view to preserving the democratic gains of Senegal through a free, inclusive and transparent Presidential election.
On African Development, Sovereignty and Unity
44. The Heads of State and Government underscore their Commitment to Africa’s Sovereignty, independence and unity.
45. In this regard the Authority calls on all Partners to respect the sovereignty and independence of African States and refrain from interferences and meddling that destabilize Member States and adversely impact regional unity.
46. The Authority further calls for an effective global partnership for the region’s socio-economic development through, inter alia, fair trade and climate justice.
Appreciation
47. The Authority expresses its gratitude to His Excellency General Yakubu Gowon for his interest in the welfare of the Community and for his valuable suggestions.
48. The Authority further expresses gratitude to H.E. Bola Ahmed TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority, for convening the Extraordinary Session and for the able manner he has been conducting the affairs of the Community.
Done at Abuja, this 24th day of February 2024
THE AUTHORITY