AES Withdrawal Threatens ECOWAS Unity and Regional Dream – Dr. Ibn Chambas Warns

Former United Nations Special Representative to West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has warned that the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from ECOWAS poses a grave threat to the subregion’s longstanding dream of unity, peace, and prosperity.

Speaking at the Republic Day Lecture on Thursday, July 3, under the theme “ECOWAS and Its Survival: Impact of the Alliance of Sahelian States and the Way Forward,” Dr. Chambas said the current crisis undermines efforts toward regional integration and collective development across West Africa.

“In times such as these, unity is our greatest strength. By standing together, we can build a resilient and sustainable subregional community that better serves our states and citizens,” he noted.

■ ECOWAS Must Reinvent Itself Amidst Crisis

Dr. Chambas stressed that the vision of ECOWAS has always been one of a people-centered community, where citizens can move freely, trade across borders, and share in the benefits of integrated infrastructure systems including transport, energy, and telecommunications.

He described the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS as a major setback that risks derailing decades of progress made toward building a cohesive West African bloc.

“The exit of the AES from ECOWAS threatens this dream of subregional integration,” he warned. “It also risks weakening the bloc’s relevance in the larger Pan-African context.”

■ Regional Unity Critical for Peace and Prosperity

Dr. Chambas highlighted that only through stronger collaboration and mutual trust can the region effectively tackle pressing challenges such as terrorism, youth unemployment, political instability, and economic inequality.

He urged ECOWAS leaders to rebuild confidence among member states, especially by listening to the concerns of the AES countries and finding diplomatic pathways to reconciliation.

“These systems roads, railways, trade, and energy will not only contribute to peace and security but also to shared prosperity,” he said. “ECOWAS must rise above its current challenges and reposition itself as a platform for unity, justice, and progress.”

The lecture formed part of Ghana’s Republic Day commemorations, with many in attendance echoing the need for renewed political will and strategic reforms to ensure ECOWAS remains a vital force for regional integration and continental unity.