Civil Society Groups CISLAC, WACSOF, and TMG advocate for diplomatic solutions to counter the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS. Expressing concern over the threat to regional integration, they emphasize the need for reflection on shared achievements, including peace missions, free mobility, trade enhancements, and infrastructural development.

The groups call for:

Rescinding the withdrawal decisions by the authorities of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to maintain the evident benefits of ECOWAS.

Urgent implementation of transition plans by military authorities for a swift return to civil rule and restoration of democratic order.

Transparent transition to civilian rule by military authorities to avoid the perception of power-grabbing.

Ensuring free, fair, and credible elections to restore trust in democratic processes.

Encouraging active participation of the people in the transition programs to return to democracy.

Lifting sanctions imposed on the mentioned countries to alleviate hardship, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect among ECOWAS member states.

Emphasizing the principles of mutual respect and non-interference to sustain a peaceful, united, and prosperous economic bloc.

In a statement, signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsajani , Executive Director CISLAC, Kop’ep Dabuga, Ge
General Secretary, West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) and Najaatu Mohammed
Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
leaders of the Civil Society Groups stress the necessity of continued dialogue and civil engagements for democratic stability in the region.