ECOWAS Studies New Strategy for Dealing with Countries Under Military Rule

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) indicated today, Saturday, that "the bloc needs to consider changing its strategy as it seeks to persuade countries governed by military councils to restore democracy and remain in the group." In an opening speech before holding a closed session in the capital, Abuja, Tinubu urged "these three countries to reconsider their decision to withdraw... and not to view our organization as the enemy." He added, "We must reassess our current approach in our quest for constitutional order." ECOWAS leaders will meet to discuss the political crisis in the region, which is suffering from coups, a situation that worsened in January when Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, governed by military councils, decided to withdraw from the bloc that includes 15 countries.