The breakaway of the Sahelian states from the ECOWAS sub-region poses an existential threat to the bloc, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, has stated.
Despite acknowledging that the bloc has faced several challenges since its formation 50 years ago, Dr. Chambas notes the secession of the Alliance of the Sahel States (AES) is the biggest blow ever to hit the sub-region.
Dr. Ibn Chambas, giving his remarks on the theme: “ECOWAS and its Survival: Impact of the Alliance of Sahelian States and the Way Forward,” at a public lecture organised by the One Ghana Movement and the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College on Thursday, July 3, 2025, indicated that the development is unfortunate.
According to him, the theme was chosen because “the exit of the AES from ECOWAS is dramatic and poses an existential threat to the subregional organisation which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year.”
“The exit of the AES is, without doubt, the most vexing challenge to the very existence of ECOWAS in its 50 years,” he stated.
He further expressed how devastating the turn of events is, having served the sub-region in various capacities to promote peace and progress.
“As a Former President of the ECOWAS Commission, and the current African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa, today’s lecture is of more than a fleeting interest to me.
“Indeed, as an unapologetic Pan-Africanists, someone who is deeply committed to subregional integration and the unity of Africa, I am highly troubled by the turn of events in the Sahel, so I will imagine most of us if not all of us gathered here,” he remarked.
The legal practitioner and diplomat, however, emphasised that unity is key to salvaging the situation, given the numerous factors that have contributed to the instability within the bloc.
“In times such as this, unity is our greatest strength. By standing together, we can build a resilient and sustainable subregional community that serves better our states and citizens,” he counseled.
