|FOREIGN| The Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, has called on ECOWAS to adopt a new approach in its dealings with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, collectively known as the Alliance of Sahel States.
Speaking in Abuja during a media briefing on Monday, Mignot expressed the EU’s regret over the withdrawal of the three nations from ECOWAS, emphasising that regional integration is vital for prosperity and stability.
“It is a decision that we regret because we strongly support West African integration. Splitting does not seem to us a good idea,” he said.
Drawing parallels to the EU’s own experience with Brexit, the envoy who also doubles as Head of Delegation to ECOWAS highlighted the importance of negotiation and dialogue in managing such exits.
“Even if you leave a regional integration arrangement, geographically you remain neighbours. You have to find new ways of coexisting and cooperating,” he explained, offering the EU’s expertise to assist ECOWAS in managing the transition.
While urging ECOWAS to pursue dialogue, Mignot noted that the EU continues to engage with the AES countries by maintaining humanitarian aid and adapting development cooperation to focus on supporting local populations amidst the Sahel’s growing security and humanitarian crises.
The envoy noted, “First, we have to remind that the EU has maintained its humanitarian aid in these countries and we have adapted our development cooperation, focussing on support to the population.
“Because we are concerned about the security and humanitarian situation in the Sahel, the number of displaced people, refugees, and people in need of assistance, which is reaching unprecedented levels. And there is ongoing work in Brussels towards a renewed approach in the Sahel, for which, of course, dialogue and exchanges with partners in the region.”
Mignot, who recently assumed his role as EU Ambassador to Nigeria, shared his vision for enhancing EU-Nigeria relations during the media parley.
Describing Nigeria as a “key player in Africa and the world,” he emphasised the EU’s commitment to being a reliable partner for the nation.
His priorities include fostering structured economic relations, promoting trade and investment, and focusing on sectors like the green economy, digital technology, agri-food, and healthcare.
He also highlighted plans to address the specific needs of Northern Nigeria, enhance peace and security collaboration, and create opportunities in education and research.
The EU also aims to address migration challenges comprehensively, covering issues such as human trafficking, migrant reintegration, and legal migration pathways that align with the interests of both parties.
Mignot concluded by reiterating the EU’s dedication to Nigeria’s growth and stability.
“Closer consultation on global and regional issues (EU already a main supporter of ECOWAS) on all issues, we want to partner more closely with the Nigeria authorities, at Federal and local levels, and listen to their expectations, strategies and needs,” he said.
|PUNCH|
