ECOWAS’ new president, Julius Maada Bio, reiterates wish for Sahel states to return to the fold

ECOWAS President Maada Bio Urges Sahel States to Rejoin Regional Bloc

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who assumed the rotating presidency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in June, has renewed calls for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to return to the regional fold. His remarks come as West Africa grapples with mounting security, political, and economic challenges that threaten to undermine decades of regional cooperation.

Maada Bio, currently on a diplomatic tour of West Africa, emphasized the importance of reconciliation and unity. He expressed confidence that the cordial relations he maintains with leaders in the Sahel region could pave the way for renewed dialogue and possibly encourage the three countries to reconsider their withdrawal from ECOWAS.

A Fractured Relationship

The rift between ECOWAS and the Sahel states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—intensified in recent years following a series of military takeovers that upended civilian rule. Niger’s coup in July 2023 was the breaking point. ECOWAS, under pressure to uphold its commitment to democratic governance, demanded an immediate restoration of constitutional order.

Instead of yielding, the juntas in Niamey, Bamako, and Ouagadougou doubled down, announcing the formation of their own Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023. By January 2024, the trio formally withdrew from ECOWAS, citing what they described as interference in their sovereignty and internal affairs.

Their departure marked a historic shift. For the first time since its founding in 1975, ECOWAS saw a bloc of members openly defy its authority, raising doubts about the body’s ability to enforce its democratic protocols.

Bio’s Bridge-Building Mission

Julius Maada Bio has inherited the ECOWAS presidency at a turbulent time. His approach, however, has been markedly conciliatory. Rather than adopting a hardline stance, Bio has sought to leverage his personal rapport with the Sahel leaders.

“West Africa cannot afford further division at a time when terrorism, poverty, and climate change are threatening our collective survival,” he said in remarks during his tour. “I believe dialogue is the only path forward. We must find common ground.”

Analysts suggest that Bio’s tone reflects a strategic shift within ECOWAS. Previous attempts to pressure the Sahel juntas with sanctions and threats of military intervention failed to yield results. Instead, they hardened resentment against the bloc. Bio’s diplomatic charm offensive could represent a more pragmatic path, focusing on incremental trust-building rather than outright confrontation.

Regional Challenges

The stakes are high. The Sahel region continues to suffer from relentless insurgent attacks, with extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State expanding their operations. Civilian populations remain the hardest hit, facing displacement, famine, and widespread insecurity.

At the same time, West Africa confronts economic strains exacerbated by global inflation, climate change, and declining investor confidence. The departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has further complicated regional cooperation on trade and development.

Experts warn that a fragmented ECOWAS weakens collective responses. For example, joint counter-terrorism initiatives and cross-border trade agreements are harder to implement when major states opt out. “Disunity benefits no one except those who thrive on instability,” said Dr. Kofi Aning, a West African security analyst.

Priorities for Maada Bio’s Tenure

Since taking office as ECOWAS president, Bio has outlined four key priorities: strengthening democracy, enhancing security cooperation, advancing economic integration, and safeguarding institutional credibility. He has acknowledged that progress will be slow, but insists that ECOWAS must demonstrate resilience.

Critics argue that while the president’s conciliatory tone is welcome, it remains unclear whether the Sahel juntas are willing to compromise. The Alliance of Sahel States has repeatedly signaled its desire to chart an independent course, free from what it perceives as ECOWAS’ heavy-handed tactics.

Nevertheless, Maada Bio remains optimistic. His ongoing diplomatic tour is intended to send a message: that dialogue is still possible, and that ECOWAS is willing to listen even as it defends its core values.

A Pivotal Moment for West Africa

The future of ECOWAS may hinge on whether Bio’s bridge-building efforts bear fruit. If he succeeds, the bloc could regain credibility as a unifying force in West Africa. Failure, however, risks deepening the fractures and emboldening further exits.

For now, the president’s words underscore the urgency of the moment. “Our region has overcome challenges before,” Bio said. “With unity, dialogue, and mutual respect, we can overcome them again.”

As West Africa waits to see whether Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will heed his call, the ECOWAS leader’s tenure promises to be a defining test for the organization’s future.

About The Author