Abuja, Nigeria, July 9, 2024 — President Bola Tinubu has appointed President Basiru Faye of Senegal as the special mediator between ECOWAS and the nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic. This announcement came as President Tinubu began his second term as Chair of the ECOWAS authority of heads of state and government, reaffirming the regional body’s commitment to dialogue and negotiation.
“With my renewed mandate, I have the pleasure of appointing President Bassirou Faye to lead ECOWAS mediation efforts with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic,” President Tinubu stated.
Dr. Omar Aliyu Touraye, President of the ECOWAS Commission, confirmed President Faye’s acceptance to serve as a facilitator for the regional bloc. “The Senegalese President indicated his acceptance to serve as a facilitator for ECOWAS in our engagement with the three ex-countries. This is in the spirit of engagement that our leaders believe should continue. We don’t only share borders; we share families and communities. The leaders are determined to keep our community together. ECOWAS is a community of people that must stay together,” Touraye added.
ECOWAS turned to President Faye following his appointment by the regional bloc to mediate between the community and the three nations, whose withdrawal has threatened regional stability. Known for his diplomatic finesse, President Faye has embarked on a mission to restore unity within the region.
At the 65th ECOWAS Heads of Authority and Government summit, leaders also addressed rising insecurity, terrorism, and extremism. In a significant move towards regional integration and economic stability, the ECOWAS heads of state resolved to introduce a single currency by 2027.