WEST AFRICAN BLOC ECOWAS URGES SENEGAL'S PRESIDENT TO REUNITE REGION.

West Africa's regional bloc, ECOWAS, has tasked Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye with engaging Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to address the region's stability issues. These three military-led states left ECOWAS in January after respective coups, forming their own union.

During its summit in Abuja, ECOWAS appointed President Faye as its envoy for the dialogue, given his recent election as Africa's youngest leader. Although the specific terms of the dialogue were not detailed, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray highlighted Faye's qualifications for the role.

The departure of these states marks a first in ECOWAS's nearly 50-year history and presents significant challenges. Analysts warn that the split could disrupt economic projects and affect free trade and movement within the bloc. Moreover, the security crises in the departing countries, which share borders with other ECOWAS members, exacerbate regional instability.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, continuing as ECOWAS president, called for stronger partnerships to tackle the region's challenges and foster a prosperous future for West Africa.