Under the aegis of ECOWAS, the foreign ministers of the countries of the region met in Abuja to discuss the political and security situation in West Africa. Chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, the 51st session of the Mediation and Security Council highlighted recent and upcoming elections in the region, as well as security challenges. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, His Excellency Ismaila Madior Fall, attended this meeting and provided answers on the political situation in Senegal.The meeting began with an update on past and upcoming elections in the region, with a particular focus on Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal recalled that the replacement of the members of the Autonomous National Electoral Commission in Senegal, which has been criticized by part of the opposition, was a legal act taken by the competent authority. He also assured that the electoral process was taking place normally and that the election would take place on the scheduled date.The situation in Sierra Leone, where there was a coup attempt in November 2023, was discussed at the meeting. The Council called for an ECOWAS stabilization mission to be sent to the country, as well as to the Gambia and Guinea Bissau. With regard to the latter, the Council also planned the deployment of a high-level mission to support the stabilization process and exchange with the President and key actors on the issue of the resumption of the National Assembly.The fight against terrorism and maritime security were also at the centre of the discussions, with notable progress made in the fight against piracy and robberies in the Gulf of Guinea. The Council urged member states to increase their participation in joint operations and exercises to strengthen maritime security in the region. In addition, the establishment of the regional early warning system for human security is ongoing, with nine countries already equipped to deal with possible crises.A matter of particular concern raised by the Council is the situation in Niger, where President Mohammed Bazoum is facing pressure from the coup d’état. The Council recommended the establishment of a Committee of Heads of State to engage with Nigerien stakeholders and develop a roadmap for a short-term transition. Until a solution was found, the Council maintained the sanctions and advocated the military option when necessary.Faced with this situation, ECOWAS has reached out to the military juntas to resume dialogue and resume the agreed transition processes. Missions will be sent to the three countries concerned, under the leadership of the President of Benin, in order to find a peaceful solution. ECOWAS also recommended the appointment of a Special Envoy for the humanitarian situation in the region, with a clear mandate to provide assistance to countries in difficulty.In conclusion, the 51st session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council highlighted the many security and political challenges facing the region. The outstretched hand to the military juntas shows ECOWAS’ willingness to find peaceful solutions and support countries in transition. Sanctions remain in place, but the possibility of waivers for critical humanitarian activities will be examined. ECOWAS pledges to continue its efforts to maintain stability and security in the region
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