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Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has called on West African leaders to renew their commitment to democratic governance in the face of mounting challenges across the region.
Gowon, one of the founding architects of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975, delivered his message on Wednesday during the organisation’s 50th anniversary celebration held in Lagos. Reflecting on five decades of regional integration, he noted that while ECOWAS has achieved significant milestones, the region continues to struggle with insecurity, political instability, youth unemployment, and economic volatility.
He expressed concern over the resurgence of military coups in some member states, describing the trend as a serious threat to the democratic progress and regional cooperation ECOWAS has championed over the years.
“Let us not forget the many challenges we have faced over the past 50 years—political crises, coups d’état, civil wars, economic shocks, pandemics, terrorism, and the shifting pressures of globalisation. Yet through it all, ECOWAS has endured,” Gowon said. “It has adapted to changing circumstances, undertaken critical reforms, and consistently renewed its commitment to the founding ideals that bind us together.”
Gowon emphasized that the 50th anniversary should not only be a celebration, but also a moment for reflection and renewed dedication to a shared future.
“Our region still grapples with daunting challenges—particularly youth unemployment, insecurity, and political instability,” he stated. “These issues demand a unified and unwavering commitment to democratic governance and inclusive development.”
Addressing the recent wave of military takeovers in the region, Gowon expressed disappointment, attributing the coups to the personal ambitions of individuals acting against the collective interest.
“We thought those days were behind us, but it appears that personal ambition continues to drive undemocratic actions,” he said. “Let me be clear—belief in democracy is what I now urge all ECOWAS members and neighbouring countries to uphold. We must not let these setbacks define us. Instead, let them serve as a wake-up call to recommit to the core principles of good governance, economic cooperation, solidarity, and inclusivity.”
Speaking on the recent withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, Gowon expressed hope that the countries would eventually return to the regional bloc.
“As the bonds of history, culture, and shared destiny remain unbroken, I am confident that with goodwill and sincere dialogue, they will find reasons to rejoin ECOWAS,” he said.
The three countries formally exited the bloc in January 2025, following grievances over sanctions imposed by ECOWAS in response to military coups. Mali had previously withdrawn temporarily in 2021 after two successive coups. Burkina Faso was suspended in January 2022 following the ouster of President Roch Kaboré, and Niger faced a similar suspension after a 2023 coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
