Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who is the only surviving, founding member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has taken another leading role in the search for solutions to the myriad of crises that beset the regional bloc.
General Gowon was joined by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Nigerian military President Ibrahim B. Babangida, and former President of Ghana, John Kufuor to participate in a forum organized by Gusau Institute, a think tank that seeks, through research, to initiate programmes for the enhancement of peace, security and development.
Gen. Gowon attended in-person, while the three other former heads of state participated virtually in the search for enduring solution to the challenges facing ECOWAS, during the roundtable conference, which was held in Abuja, the Nigerian capital on February 4, 2025.
The meeting focused on discussing challenges and opportunities within ECOWAS as it approaches its 50th anniversary, with participants emphasizing the importance of unity, dialogue, and regional integration.
ECOWAS at 50 has been a journey filled with successes albeit enormous political and economic and security crises bedeviling West Africa since inception in 1975.
The bloc is at the moment facing a threat of disintegration after three of the 15-Member States Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their intention to quit the community, following disagreements over military coups that toppled democratic governments in the three countries. All entreaties for them to return have failed to persuade them.
General Yakubu Gowon in his remarks reflected on the organization’s history and current challenges as it approaches its 50th anniversary.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue and unity, advising against the use of force or sanctions against member-states.
He acknowledged the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger but remains optimistic about ECOWAS’s future, stating that the organization is not dead. He encouraged continued engagement with the departed members and suggested inviting these countries to the 50th-anniversary celebration, hoping for their eventual return to the fold.
Key topics included addressing security threats, engaging youth, and leveraging economic instruments to foster development in West Africa.
The participants expressed optimism for ECOWAS’s future while acknowledging the need for reforms and stronger leadership to navigate current crises and promote sustainable growth in the region.
The roundtable created a forum for high-level stakeholders to engage in dialogue, addressing these critical issues and exploring cooperative solutions.
The hybrid event featured both in-person and virtual participation as President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Ibrahim B. Babangida, and President John Kufuor participated virtually while Gowon participated in –person.
Discussions followed the Chatham House Rule (which ensures anonymity of speakers) was applied to promote an atmosphere of open and candid dialogue. Forty- six participants were in attendance, including the four former heads of state.
Dr. Mohammad Ibn Chambas and Ambassador Usman Sarki were co-Chairmen and there were also speakers from Senegal, Algeria, Ghana, South Africa, The Gambia and Kenya.
Also in attendance was a strong delegation from the ECOWAS secretariat, led by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.