President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remains committed to persuading the military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to reintegrate into the regional fold.
According to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Chief Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu stated this in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government during a meeting with ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja on Friday.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of security and constitutional governance in the region.
“We are determined to enhance security and uphold constitutional government across our region,” President Tinubu stated. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the recent decisions of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to distance themselves from ECOWAS, but expressed his resolve to continue offering a “hand of friendship” to these nations, urging them to return to the collective.
“No one individual is wiser than the collective leadership present here. We will do all we can to persuade them to come back,” he added.
President Tinubu also praised the defence chiefs for their dedication to maintaining regional stability and protecting constitutional governance. He stressed the need for collective action in addressing terrorism and other regional challenges, calling for the ECOWAS standby force to be fully prepared. He also highlighted the ongoing investment in both security and economic opportunities across West Africa.
General Christopher Musa, Chairman of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, informed President Tinubu that the defence chiefs had resolved to address regional challenges, such as insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government, through collective efforts. He announced plans to deploy 1,200 troops to Sierra Leone, with several countries pledging support for the mission.
General Musa also noted that ECOWAS finance ministers would soon meet to discuss funding and logistics for the standby force, emphasizing the importance of balancing military efforts with political initiatives to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region.
