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Former Nigerian head of state and ECOWAS founding father, Yakubu Gowon, has called on the regional political and economic union to lift sanctions imposed on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic. In an open letter addressed to the Heads of State and the ECOWAS member states, Gowon emphasized the importance of unity within the bloc and expressed concern over the potential disunity following the announced intention of the three countries to exit ECOWAS.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, currently under military rule, declared their withdrawal from ECOWAS citing alleged deviations from the founding ideals of the regional body and pan-Africanism. This move prompted Gowon to urge ECOWAS authorities to consider lifting all sanctions imposed on the countries and to work towards reuniting for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the sub-region.
