Political instability in Africa preventing more meaningful regional integration – Akufo-Addo

During the 3rd Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum on Migration, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the challenges facing members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He pointed to the increasing threat of violent extremism and political instability, which he attributed in part to migration.

“Such developments are deflecting the attention of the community away from deeper and more meaningful regional integration and economic development that are anchored on the protocol relating to the free movement of persons and the right of residence and establishment,” he said.

During his address, President Akufo-Addo urged heads of state in the ECOWAS Region to collaborate closely to tackle the intricate challenges posed by migration trends.

“Together my fellow ECOWAS counterparts are with seeking ways to find an amicable solutions to the challenge of integration. The region is at the crossroads and our actions will determine the trajectory that will set the path of prosperity or destruction for our citizens.”

According to him, this collaborative effort will help harness the potential of migrants and prevent any threats to the hard-won peace and security in Africa. The event brought together top experts in migration, security, and conflict resolution to discuss crucial issues and seek solutions.

In the last four years alone, there have been seven military coups in West and Central Africa. Four of the countries experiencing coups are members of ECOWAS, a regional organization set up to promote stability and cooperation.

In August 2020, a group of Mali’s colonels led a coup against President Ibrahim Boubacar Kaita. In 2021, the military led a second coup against the interim president Colonel Bah Ndaw. Guinea experienced a coup in 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and most recently, Niger met the same fate when General Abdourahmane Tchiani seized power in July. Outside of West Africa, Chad and Sudan also experienced military coups in 2021.

Ever since the early days of their independence from European colonial rule West African countries have faced political and economic tensions that often threatened their progress and stability. The Economic Community of Western African States, known as ECOWAS, was established in 1975 as a response to these challenges. Its current members are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.