Afrique de l’OUEST : Burkina, Mali, Niger se retirent de la Cédéao, le point avec Mhamed Echkoundi

Summary

The transcript is a conversation about three West African countries - Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso - withdrawing from the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS). The withdrawal is an expression of sovereignty but could threaten the future of ECOWAS. The countries face sanctions and pressure from ECOWAS regarding their transitional governments. They formed a new tripartite alliance. Going forward, new regional alliances may emerge to rival ECOWAS. Mali also ended the Algerian peace accord and created an inter-Malian dialogue committee to resolve conflicts itself, signaling a desire for self-determination.

Takeaways

• 😟 The decision to withdraw from ECOWAS seems regrettable as it weakens the organization
• 👉🏽 The withdrawal is an expression of sovereignty by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso
• 🤝 The 3 countries created a tripartite alliance, indicating potential new regional alliances
• 😢 ECOWAS may have made errors in handling conflicts and governance issues
• 🆕 Mali established an Inter-Malian Dialogue committee to control the peace process
• ⛔️ Mali ended the Algiers peace accord due to violations by signatories
• 👉 Mali aims to resolve conflicts without outside interference
• ✅ Success depends on governance, participation and cohesion of new dialogue
• 😐 Tensions with neighbors and international community create uncertainty
• 😀 But there is optimism that Malians can solve problems themselves

Q & A

What was the initial reaction of Mohamed Eskundi to the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS?

Mohamed Eskundi said it is an expression of their own sovereignty as sovereign nations can make such decisions, but it could jeopardize the future of ECOWAS as withdrawals weaken organizations.

Why did the three countries form a tripartite alliance?

The three countries formed a tripartite alliance in response to the pressures and sanctions imposed on them by ECOWAS, especially on the transitional governments.

What mistakes did ECOWAS make in managing the conflicts in the three countries according to Mohamed Eskundi?

Eskundi said ECOWAS made mistakes in how it handled the conflicts, the transitional mechanisms, the way it pressured the countries, and issues with prevention, foresight and early management of the crises.

What is the Inter-Malian Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee set up by Mali?

It is a new governance body created by the transitional government of Mali to take control of the peace process and signal the end of the Algiers Agreement.

Why did Mali form the Inter-Malian Dialogue committee?

To regain sovereignty in managing the conflict, send a message about resolving issues internally, and prevent external actors from interfering.

What are the key conditions for success of the Inter-Malian Dialogue according to Eskundi?

The key conditions are: governance, participation, and cohesion of the stakeholders involved.

What is the current situation and public mood in Mali according to Eskundi?

Eskundi said there is a period of euphoria as the public wants to move forward independently, but also uncertainty due to tensions with neighbors.

Why did Mali end the Algiers Agreement?

Mali cited the expired nature of the agreement, shift of signatories toward terrorism, failure of mediators, and instrumentalization by Algeria.

What are the open tensions Mali has with neighbor countries?

Mali has tensions with ECOWAS countries over sanctions and pressure, and with Algeria over the end of the Algiers Agreement.

What role can civil society play in the Inter-Malian Dialogue?

Civil society groups can encourage participation, provide oversight of the process, and help ensure governance and cohesion.