Coups: Gowon Calls On Tinubu-Led ECOWAS To Lift Sanctions, Bring Back Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtrd), has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger Republic over military coups in the respective countries. 

In an open letter dated February 13, 2023, Gowon urged ECOWAS, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to remove the sanctions while also asking Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to halt their planned withdrawal from the regional bloc and instead opt for dialogue.

Gowon, who is one of the founding fathers of ECOWAS established in 1975, said he was saddened by the disunity threatening the region following the sanctions and withdrawal moves. 

He warned that the implications would be far-reaching for ordinary citizens who have benefited from regional integration.

“…it saddens me to learn that ECOWAS is threatened with disunity following the announcement by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, 3 important Member States of their intention to leave the Community. The impact of such a decision will have far-reaching implications for the ordinary citizens who have been the major beneficiaries of regional integration. 

“Therefore, on behalf of all the founding fathers of the Community and myself, I urge ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, including the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to put aside their differences and reunite for the peace, stability and prosperity of our sub-region,” said Gowon who also urged participation of all 15 ECOWAS leaders in a summit to discuss the community’s future, regional security and stability, and the role of the international community.

Gowon reminded ECOWAS leaders that the bloc is more than just a coalition of states but a community built on shared history, culture and tradition. 

He said neither his generation nor present and future ones would understand or forgive a breakup of ECOWAS.

The elder statesman said he was ready for further engagement to ensure ECOWAS remains united. He called on other regional elders to join him in restoring unity within the bloc.