Interview
ECOWAS: “The withdrawal of the three juntas threatens our collective security”, for the head of Sierra Leonean diplomacy
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is ready for a “
negotiated solution
” after the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The Economic Community of West African States expressed, on Sunday, its desire to break the political impasse created by the announcement of the withdrawal of these three countries, a solution yes, but on what basis? Contacted by RFI, Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, one of the fifteen member countries of the regional bloc, is also part of the ECOWAS mediation mission in Niger. For him, this withdrawal risks destabilizing the region.
Sierra Leone's current Foreign Minister, Timothy Kabba, here in June 2021. Photothek via Getty Images - Ute Grabowsky
By: Christina Okello Follow
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RFI:
Timothy Kabba, what
is your reaction to this announcement?
Timothy Kabba:
This is quite worrying news, although it is expected because these three countries had hinted last year that they were going to form the Alliance of Sahel States, which means that they were going to withdraw from the block. But
ECOWAS
will take the opportunity to ensure that these important members of our community do not withdraw and leave the community. This decision is a threat to the peace, security and stability of the entire community because these three countries are facing not only their political instability, but also terrorist groups like the al-Qaeda movement and Daesh and, therefore, it t's a bit worrying if these countries go it alone.
But the process itself requires that any country wishing to withdraw must formally express its request to ECOWAS and which will then be examined within a year. But during this period, this State must continue to comply with its obligations. I therefore hope that the withdrawal request will be withdrawn, given that our collective security is crucial.
What measures can ECOWAS take to change the minds of these three countries?
I think the heads of state will meet and there will be an imminent summit where leaders will assess the situation and find the best solution. I believe that the best solution is a diplomatic solution. And I think that we will continue to be patient with our brothers from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to find a solution to the political impasse in which these countries find themselves.
By announcing their withdrawal, these countries accused the organization of not having supported them enough. Is this a valid argument?
No, not in my opinion. I think that ECOWAS opened the door to negotiation during the 64th summit of heads of state and government. It was clear during this meeting that the regional organization had already relaxed its travel restrictions imposed on the heads of these different governments and had also opened the way to mediation.
I was one of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs charged by ECOWAS to begin negotiations with the Nigerien authorities and unfortunately, on Thursday January 25, we were not able to go to Niger where we were expected by the Nigerien authorities. to begin discussions on the transition, because the plane rented by ECOWAS had a technical problem in Abuja and we were therefore not able to participate in this mediation mission. But ECOWAS will ensure that these important members of our community do not withdraw from the bloc.
What do these three countries represent for ECOWAS?
It should be remembered that Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso geographically represent more than half of the ECOWAS area and 15% of its population. So they are very important. There are even more serious implications because these countries are culturally and geographically linked and we have a long history of cooperation and interdependence. So I think it would be a good thing if we found a way out of this impasse.
Do you fear that other countries could follow in the footsteps of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso?
I am not convinced that other countries will side with these three countries and choose to leave ECOWAS. The world is facing a myriad of challenges ranging from climate change to terrorist and violent insurgencies and any nation would want to be part of an organization that will face these endless challenges.
Does being part of ECOWAS still have meaning today?
I think ECOWAS is still relevant. I speak as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone. I am aware of the contribution of ECOWAS to the restoration of democracy and peace in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Gambia, and I therefore think that ECOWAS has the tools to bring these countries together and fight for the common good of our region.
I think these three countries deserve to be heard and I think their people deserve to live in peace and under constitutional rule. This is therefore the role that we will play as a collective within the community to ensure that these countries respect the constitutional order and we will join our efforts with those of our brothers in the Sahel in the fight against terrorism .
Also listen to Cédéao: how to explain the announcement of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger
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