President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will persist in its diplomatic efforts to reintegrate Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso into the regional bloc. These countries severed ties with ECOWAS after sanctions were imposed on them in response to military coups.
As both Nigeria’s President and the Chairman of ECOWAS, Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining amicable relations with these nations. He expressed the bloc’s commitment to enhancing security and upholding constitutional governance across the region.
“It is in our hearts to ensure that security is strengthened, and that constitutional government is both defended and promoted within our region,” Tinubu stated, according to a Friday release from his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.
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During a meeting with ECOWAS defense chiefs in Abuja, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges posed by the recent exits but vowed to work diligently to bring the three countries back into the fold. “We will do everything to extend a hand of friendship to them and provide reasons for their return. The solution to terrorism and other regional challenges lies in our collective efforts,” he said.
Tinubu also stressed the need for the ECOWAS standby force to remain prepared and for continued investment in regional security and economic prosperity.
Chairman of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, echoed the President’s sentiments, highlighting the need for collective action to address insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government.
