Senegal’s Faye Advocates for Sahel Nations’ Reintegration into ECOWAS
Senegal’s President Faye reported efforts to reintegrate Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger back into ECOWAS, following their departure due to perceived French dominance. He acknowledged their sovereignty while emphasizing Senegal’s crucial partnership with France, in the context of negotiating French troop withdrawals from Senegal.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye stated that he had made every effort to reintegrate Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger back into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), yet he faced challenges. These three Sahel countries left ECOWAS at the start of the year, criticizing the bloc for being too aligned with France and ineffective in combating jihadism. In response, they established their own Alliance of Sahel States, distancing themselves from France while shifting towards Russia.
In July of the previous year, Faye was designated as a mediator by ECOWAS tasked with engaging the newly junta-led governments of the Sahel states. During a recent extensive interview with local media, he expressed his efforts to facilitate dialogue: “I pleaded for people to come together around a table and talk, to preserve the chances of maintaining a strong subregional organisation.” Faye acknowledged the sovereignty of these countries: “They are free to make their own choices.”
Regarding Senegal’s evolving relationship with France, Faye emphasized that France remains a crucial partner on multiple fronts. He noted that Senegal is in discussions about the withdrawal of French troops from its territory by the end of the year. Faye remarked on the shift in countries’ trajectories, stating, “It happens that at a certain point in its history, a country decides to redirect its trajectory.”
Last month marked a significant development when several military facilities in Dakar, previously used by the French army, were returned to Senegal, initiating the process of troop withdrawal.
The article highlights President Faye’s attempts to reconcile relations with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following their departure from ECOWAS. Despite the challenges posed by their new alliances, Senegal continues to navigate its relationship with France amid changes in military presence. Faye’s commitment to dialogue reflects an effort to maintain regional stability while respecting the sovereignty of Sahel nations.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
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