Abubakar Hashim
The Authority of Heads of State and Government will meet in Abuja for a crucial summit on the rising spate of coups, terrorism, and other existential crises, leading to the current declaration of a “ state of regional emergency” by the Bio-led ECOWAS body.
Today, out of its 15- member states, 5 are now under military rule. Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea and now, Guinea Bissau. Guinea is the only country among the 5 that is transitioning to civilian rule, with the military leader, Col Doumbouya contesting in the December polls.
Expectations at Abuja Summit
- The Bio-led ECOWAS body will likely impose stiff sanctions on Guinea Bissau, after a deadlocked meeting between ECOWAS and the military leaders in Bissau a few days ago.
- The “ Regional State of Emergency” will likely be sustained and broadened. The 500-man “stabilisations force” will likely be enlarged and strengthened, with a plea for more multilateral support.
- The ECOWAS protocol on good governance will likely be re-visited to examine the root causes of failed governance and weak institutions in the West African region
Some other burning issues will also be discussed at tomorrow’s summit in Abuja.
West Africa is the least developed in Africa, in terms of human development and infrastructural amenities.
Vast majority of its people live in abject poverty, a far cry from what obtains in North, East, and Southern Africa.
Despite these setbacks in West Africa, ECOWAS has been successful in the promotion of trade, through the Economic Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), the visa-free movement of its people in the region, and the promotion of peace and stability. ECOMOG demonstrated this in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The current stabilisation force is a continuity to ensure peace and stability in the region
*Abubakar Hashim is our West Coast Bureau Chief
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