“Heavy-Handed Approach Drove Members Away” - Obasanjo Slams ECOWAS Over Coup Response

Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a sharp critique of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), warning that the bloc’s aggressive response to recent coups has weakened its influence and fractured regional unity.

Delivering a keynote address at the Republic Day Lecture organised by the Ghana Armed Forces in collaboration with the One Ghana Movement, Obasanjo called on ECOWAS to reflect deeply on its crisis management tactics and adopt more strategic, inclusive measures in preserving democratic governance.

“The resurgence of coups and unconstitutional change of government in West Africa has been a litmus test for ECOWAS’s effectiveness—if not survival,” he declared.

■ ECOWAS Missteps in the Niger Coup

Using the 2023 Niger coup as a case study, Obasanjo criticised ECOWAS for responding with sanctions and military threats, which he said alienated rather than engaged the affected countries. The fallout, he noted, led to the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc and the creation of the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES).

“The split has placed ECOWAS in a precarious position. Sanctions alone are no longer effective. Military threats worsened the situation,” he stated.

■ A Turning Point for Regional Unity

Obasanjo described the mass exit of member states as “unprecedented”, warning that the situation revealed a deep crisis of confidence in ECOWAS leadership and strategy.

“What is the point of a union if it cannot influence or control its member states? This is the true colour of our situation in West Africa,” he stressed.

■ Call for Strategic Rethink

Despite his criticism, the former leader affirmed his commitment to regional integration and democracy, urging ECOWAS to shift from coercion to dialogue, diplomacy, and reform-oriented engagement.

“We need to recalibrate our approach to ensure unity is preserved while defending our shared democratic values,” he urged.

Obasanjo’s remarks come at a pivotal time for West Africa, as the region grapples with instability, military takeovers, and increasing pressure to uphold constitutional governance amid widespread political disillusionment.