President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal is billed as Africa’s youngest head of state and faces a daunting challenge: uniting a weakened regional bloc that is older than him. Leading a mission to bring Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso back into ECOWAS at the organization’s summit in Abuja, Faye faces the challenge of restoring regional cooperation.
The three countries in question left ECOWAS to form their own alliance following military coups that severed ties with their West African neighbors. As a peace envoy supported by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, Mr. Faye is considered the leader best placed to carry out this reintegration mission.
Beyond aspects of security and economic collaboration, ECOWAS has seen its influence decline in recent years, according to Afolabi Adekaiyaoja of the Center for Democracy and Development. This new role offers Mr. Faye the opportunity to work for reforms aimed at making ECOWAS more autonomous and sustainable.
President Faye embodies a vision radically opposed to that of the three military leaders. His transparent election contrasts with the rigged elections that have marred the region. Senegal’s desire to renegotiate its contracts with foreign operators with a view to reducing its dependence finds a favorable response among the juntas in power.
Beyond these issues, Mr. Faye’s youth, combined with his experience as a tax inspector, is seen as an asset for opening dialogue with his counterparts. However, his task will not be easy, given the three countries’ broader concerns over the functioning of ECOWAS and perceived interference from former colonial power France.
The success of Mr. Faye’s mission will depend on his ability to coordinate and find common ground with the various leaders in the region. His age, although young for an African president, could be a catalyst for establishing constructive dialogue and effective diplomacy.
In short, the challenge facing President Faye is daunting, but his determination to re-establish regional cooperation within ECOWAS offers a glimmer of hope for the future of West Africa.