Opening of an ECOWAS summit, eclipsed by that of the AES

Abuja: A summit of West African leaders opened on Sunday in Abuja in a tense political context following the decision of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to unite within a 'confederation'. The three countries announced the formation of this confederation on Saturday. Their first summit, organized as a challenge the day before that of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), puts the latter to the test once again, after the decision earlier this year by Mali, of Burkina and Niger to leave the organization.ECOWAS also faces persistent violence from jihadists, funding problems and difficulties in assembling a regional force.The weakened West African bloc has not yet reacted after the adoption by Niger, Mali and Burkina of a treaty establishing a 'Confederation of Sahel States' on Saturday in Niamey.But the head of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, warned on Sunday that the three countries risked 'diplomatic and political isolation' and the loss of millions of euros in investments. Their nationals may also have to obtain visas to travel to the region, he said, without specifying when the measure could take effect.The rift will also worsen regional insecurity and hamper the establishment of a regional force, Touray added before ECOWAS held a closed-door session in Abuja, Nigeria's capital.'Apart from the numerous threats linked to peace and security as well as the challenges linked to poverty, our region also faces the risks of disintegration,' he expressed alarm.Source: Burkina Information Agency