Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has called on Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso to reconsider their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), arguing that renewed regional cooperation could strengthen peace and security across West Africa.
Sani made the call on Saturday while reacting to reports of attacks in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The former lawmaker said the incident exposed the security vulnerabilities confronting Niger’s military-led government and reflected the broader instability affecting the Sahel region.
According to Sani, the latest violence should prompt the affected countries to reassess their current regional alignment and seek closer cooperation with neighbouring states.
“Today’s attacks on Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic once again reflects the vulnerability and fragility of the ruling military regime and the dangerous security trend in the subregion,” he said.
The former senator also cautioned against continued reliance on military coups as a means of changing governments, drawing from Nigeria’s history of military interventions.
“No Government installed by military coup stays longer without a counter coup. We have been through that phase in our history,” Sani said.
He subsequently urged the Sahel countries to rebuild ties with ECOWAS, saying the move would be in the interest of regional peace and collective security.
“The Sahel states should reunite with ECOWAS in the interests of regional peace and security,” he added.
Sani’s comments come amid continuing security challenges in the Sahel, where jihadist groups have carried out attacks across several countries.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, all governed by military authorities, formally left ECOWAS in January 2025 and subsequently strengthened their cooperation through the Alliance of Sahel States.
Their departure has created a major challenge for West African regional integration and security cooperation. The renewed call for reconciliation therefore comes at a time when the region continues to face terrorism, political instability and cross-border security threats.
Whether the three countries will reconsider their position remains uncertain, but Sani’s appeal adds to ongoing calls for dialogue and greater regional cooperation.
