Gowon implores ECOWAS to lift sanctions on Mali, B’Faso, Niger
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has urged the ECOWAS to lift sanctions on Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republics.
Gowon made the appeal at a press conference at the ECOWAS Commission’s headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja, after presenting an open letter to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray.
The ECOWAS imposed sanctions on the three countries following military coups that ousted their democratically elected leaders.
The three countries had already announced their withdrawal from the regional bloc.
According to him, their withdrawal from the ECOWAS will threaten the unity of the bloc and have serious implications on their citizens.
He described the situation as sad, saying both sides should reconsider their decisions in the interest of the people.
“The impact of such a decision will have far-reaching implications for the ordinary citizens who have been the major beneficiaries of regional integration.
“The ECOWAS authorities should immediately consider the implementation of the lifting of all sanctions that have been imposed on Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger,” Gowon, a founding father of the bloc said.
He therefore implored ECOWAS leaders and those of the three countries to re-unite in the interest of peace and stability in the region.
“On behalf of all the founding fathers of the Community and myself, I urge the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, including the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, to put aside their differences and reunite for the peace, stability and prosperity of our sub-region.”
