Sanusi Calls for Peace with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has asked the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to work towards reconciling with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Sanusi made this request during a public lecture organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) on Thursday in Abuja.

The lecture was titled “ECO Currency and Monetary Integration in West Africa: Implications for Nigeria.”

He pointed out that the withdrawal of these three countries has weakened regional integration, security cooperation, and economic opportunities in West Africa.

Sanusi described Niger as a key buffer between Nigeria and extremist threats from Libya, Algeria, and other parts of North Africa. He highlighted that Nigeria’s national security has historically depended on cooperation with Niger, making its exclusion a major concern.

The former CBN governor also recalled Niger’s support for Nigeria during the civil war. He emphasized that past leaders valued regional unity despite outside pressure and divisions.

He said that diplomatic efforts were made to avoid worsening relations, adding that mistakes by important players led to the current crisis.

Sanusi noted that international relations require practicality. He said political ideals must align with current realities and national interests.

He called on governments, religious leaders, civil society groups, and citizens to keep engaging with their counterparts in these countries to promote reconciliation.

“An integration of 15 countries is better than one with 12 countries. The whole of Africa is better than just West Africa,” he stated.

The Emir mentioned that while ECOWAS could operate without the three countries, it would miss out on the significant advantages that come with wider regional cooperation and markets.

He referenced Britain’s exit from the European Union, warning that political and economic problems often follow decisions that weaken integration.

He pointed out that markets in Kano serve traders from Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ghana, showing how important regional trade networks are.

According to him, Nigeria can gain a lot by turning neighboring countries into strong export markets through stable political ties.

Sanusi said President Bola Tinubu is facing tough challenges during the Niger crisis, especially since he took office without a full cabinet.

He noted that patience and dialogue could have led to a quicker solution and emphasized that there is still goodwill among regional leaders.

“I still think there is a great possibility for reconciliation. I am not pessimistic at all,” Sanusi said.

Regarding the proposed ECO currency, Sanusi mentioned that ECOWAS member states need to achieve economic convergence before working towards a common regional currency.