News:
May 7, 2026
Following recent jihadist rebel attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso, a member of Nigeria’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sulaiman A. Gumi, has stated that it is in the interest of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – to reverse their exit and return to the regional bloc.
Dr. Gumi noted that ECOWAS cannot simply approach the AES for assistance in the wake of these attacks, as the three nations are currently beyond the bloc’s reach.
“You cannot sweep with just a broomstick – you need the whole bunch,” he explained. “That is why we have ECOWAS and the African Union. When you isolate yourself, you expose yourself to external threats.”
He further suggested that the current instability in Mali is linked to its former colonial power. “They threw them out of their country, differently – now there is a repercussion. The fear is that the other Sahel states could be the next target. It could spill over to other countries, and I do not think they would have the strength to handle it.”
Gumi stressed that the AES is not fighting isolated individuals but an external, well-funded force behind the rebels. “For whatever reason they left ECOWAS – and that is best known to them – it is now time for ECOWAS to reach out. They are our brothers and sisters. Reach out to them and tell them: this is the time to come back into the fold.”
When asked whether the AES would listen, he drew a parallel with a prodigal child. “If you have a prodigal son or daughter, and you say ‘don’t touch fire’ – when they touch it, they will come back to you crying. That is practically what is about to happen to them in the Sahel. And when they come back, ECOWAS can put together a force to protect them and ensure peace is enforced. This has happened in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and it can happen in the Sahel region.”
“We should use the diplomatic approach now. In their right senses, I think they know they have to come back and join the community,” Gumi added.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso / Ghanamps.com