Tinubu begs Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali: Don’t leave ECOWAS

President Bola Tinubu has urged the military leaderships of Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Star recalls that Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso on January 28, 2024, declared they are immediately leaving ECOWAS over the suspension of the three countries following military takeovers.

However, Tinubu, while speaking at the extraordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on the political, peace and security in the ECOWAS region in Abuja on Saturday, February 24, 2024, said the complexities of the issues facing the body necessitated a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

The president, who expressed confidence in the possibility of lasting peace, security and prosperity in the West African region, stressed the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue, prudent judgement, and unity toward sustainable peace, security, and political stability in the region.

The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government said: “I am confident that through our collective efforts and determination, we will navigate the challenges before us and chart a course toward a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa.

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“Your presence today demonstrated your unflinching commitment to the sustenance of regional integration with all its ingredients for the promotion of good governance, peace, security, stability and socio-economic development.

“Once more, we are gathered here to address pressing developments in our sub-region surrounding peace and security as well as the political situations in the Republics of Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali.

“We must approach these issues with a sense of unity and commitment to the well-being of our people.”

President Tinubu said the challenges warrant concerted efforts and a deep sense of history to ensure the spirit of shared vision, solidarity and collective responsibilities.

Tinubu noted that despite the region’s challenges, he was buoyed by the spirit of collective resolve that defined the ECOWAS community.

Tinubu added: “In the course of this summit, therefore, we will receive a Memorandum from the ECOWAS Commission President on the peace, security and political situation in the region.

“The memorandum will give us an update on the current situation in the Republics of Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger.

“Our decisions must be guided by our commitment to safeguarding the constitutional order, upholding democratic principles, and promoting the social and economic well-being of the citizens of the aforementioned countries.”

The Star