Former Nigerian Head of State, also one of the founding leaders of ECOWAS , General Dr. Yakubu Gowon GCFR, has made a fervent plea to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift all sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in the wake of recent political upheavals.
In an open letter addressed to Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Gowon stressed the significance of restoring peace, stability, and prosperity to the sub-region. He urged all ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, including leaders of the affected countries, to set aside their differences and work towards the common goal of regional cohesion.
Gowon’s letter called for the immediate lifting of sanctions on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, along with the withdrawal of their notices to leave ECOWAS. He underscored the shared history, culture, and tradition that bind West African nations together, emphasizing that the breakup of ECOWAS would be detrimental to generations present and future.
Highlighting ECOWAS’s achievements since its inception, including trade liberalization and successful peacekeeping operations, Gowon emphasized the need for collective action to preserve the community’s unity. He called upon other regional elders to join him in advocating for the restoration of unity and shared purpose within ECOWAS.
Responding to Gowon’s letter, President Touray assured the elder statesman that his message would be conveyed to all ECOWAS Heads of State. He noted the profound nature of Gowon’s appeal and recommendations, stating that they would be discussed at an upcoming extraordinary summit scheduled to take place in Abuja.
