Owusu on Africa: Why Senegal is becoming a bridge between junta-led states and littoral ECOWAS member states

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

In 1980, Leopold Senghor, the founding president of Senegal, voluntarily stepped down from power and handed the reins to his prime minister. This action, solidified Senegal’s commitment to democratic principles. Today, Senegal stands out as one of only two countries in the west African region that have never experienced military rule.

However, Senegal has often faced tense government-opposition relations, especially during transitional elections. The most recent elections were no exception. Despite this, the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye was celebrated across Africa, reinforcing Senegal’s reputation as a stable democracy.

So, what does this mean?

With such credibility come responsibilities, particularly in dealing with junta-led states in the region. Relations have not improved significantly since these states announced their exit from the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). For the newly inaugurated Senegalese leader, addressing this divide is both a geopolitical duty and a campaign promise.

Diomaye Faye pledged to resolve the impasse during his election campaign.

During a visit to Bamako as part of his diplomatic efforts in the Sahel, Diomaye Faye noted that Mali is not “inflexible” regarding its stance on ECOWAS. He planned further talks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to continue these discussions with the junta.

Does Senegal have the influence needed?

Senegal is the fourth-largest economy in ECOWAS, following Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). Importantly, it is a key neighbor to Mali, with much of Mali’s imports passing through Senegal, giving it considerable leverage. Interestingly, Mali has become more influential in recent regional geopolitics among the junta-led states in the Sahel. Senegal could leverage its strategic relationship with Mali to address the unprecedented division within the bloc, with Bamako emerging as the focal point for landlocked states.

Nonetheless, Diomaye Faye is likely to face significant challenges in uniting the two sides. The juntas are primarily focused on consolidating their power and are reluctant to transfer authority to civilian governments. Furthermore, Russia’s involvement, driven by its interest in the region’s resources and its recent commitments, complicates the situation.

Additionally, with the juntas extending their tenure and hinting at participation in future elections, the extent to which ECOWAS can compromise remains uncertain.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.