The former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has challenged leaders in the West African region (ECOWAS) to find a way of resolving the issues that currently bedevil the sub-region.
He observed that the main impediment to regional collaboration and integration has been the “colonial baggage of indecision-making along colonial lines.”
Specifically, he pointed to the Anglo-Francophone fissure, where the former British colonies and the former French colonies cannot seem to set aside their ethno-linguistic differences to achieve a common end.
He stated, “Regional and continental organisations are effective only to the extent to which they are able to enshrine common goals and shared benefits.”
He continued, “The ECOWAS story today is one which should serve as a reference point to all who are charged with managing regional and continental organisations.”
He made these observations at the annual Republic Day Public Lecture, organised by the OneGhana Movement at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College on Thursday.
Obasanjo warns ECOWAS
The former Nigerian leader advised the current leaders of the regional body to heed the actions, complaints, and grievances of the three countries—former members of ECOWAS: Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali—who have now set up the parallel body, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Olusegun Obasanjo observed that the three nations were forced to withdraw from ECOWAS (the first such exit in the almost 50 years of the body’s existence) due to threats that emanated from the organisation.
This, he believes, is an indication that the old sanctions regime is no longer effective, especially in a world where global powers are vying for influence in the shadows.
New approaches needed
He thus advised ECOWAS to find a new solution to the problem of governments that come to power through unconstitutional means.
General Obasanjo also admonished African leaders to learn lessons from the past, without blaming each other or acting out of fear of one another.
Living in silos makes us weak
He said, “We are intertwined, so we must make attempts to work together. Living in silos makes us weak, no matter our population size or land mass.”
This, he added, is the only way to prevent any possibility of confrontation between ECOWAS and AES armies.
Make ECOWAS a vehicle for AfCFTA success
He called on ECOWAS leaders to make the sub-region a solid implementing body of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that “our collective prosperity depends on it.”
