Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the former President of the ECOWAS Commission, has appealed to ECOWAS leaders to lift sanctions imposed on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following recent military coups in these countries.
Chambas, currently the African Union’s (AU) High Representative for ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa,’ made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
He stressed the importance of unity and called on the military leaders of the mentioned nations to withdraw their threats of exiting the sub-regional bloc.
Speaking ahead of the ECOWAS Summit scheduled for Abuja during the weekend, Chambas urged all stakeholders in the West African sub-region to heed the recent call from former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), to end conflicts and unite the people in the area.
Chambas emphasised the need for ECOWAS to come together, highlighting that the region is stronger united than divided.
He lauded Gowon’s appeal for lifting sanctions and encouraged ECOWAS Heads of State to reach out to the affected countries for reconsideration.
The former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel recognised the challenges faced by the sub-region but underscored the importance of overcoming them united.
Chambas lauded Gowon’s role in the establishment of ECOWAS nearly 50 years ago and urged other elders to join his campaign to restore unity and shared purpose within the organisation.
Expressing confidence in ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Chambas anticipated effective conflict articulation and sustainable solutions during the upcoming summit.
He called for the lifting of what he termed “crippling sanctions” on Mali and other affected countries.
Chambas acknowledged President Tinubu’s democratic credentials and active engagement with ECOWAS President, Dr. Omar Touré, to ensure diplomatic steps are taken to maintain the unity of ECOWAS.
“Let me say that President Bola Tinubu’s democratic credentials need not be proved because all his life, he has stood on the side of democracy.
“His personal experiences are also a testimony.
“We also know President Tinubu to be a practical person and politician, who has his ideals and principles and will do what is necessary to keep ECOWAS united.
“I’m aware that he is already working actively with the ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touré, to ensure that every diplomatic step is taken to keep ECOWAS united,” Chambas said.