President Tinubu Reaffirms ECOWAS’ Commitment to Persuading Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to Rejoin Regional Bloc
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) commitment to persuading the military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to return to the regional bloc. As the current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu made this known during a meeting with ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff on Friday in Abuja.
“We will do everything to offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us,” President Tinubu stated, expressing a continued willingness to restore constitutional governance in the affected nations.
The outcome of the meeting was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement titled ‘ECOWAS’ hand of friendship still open to Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, says President Tinubu.’
Tinubu’s remarks come nearly three weeks after he signaled plans for an extraordinary session to discuss the future of the economic bloc, which has faced challenges following the withdrawal of the three member states.
“It is in our hearts to make sure that security is enhanced and that constitutional government is defended and promoted in our region,” Tinubu emphasized. “It has been a challenging tenure for me since three members indicated their exit. We will work hard to persuade them to return, whichever way. No one man is smarter than the group of heads that is here.”
The ECOWAS chairman also praised the defence chiefs for their unwavering commitment to regional stability and the protection of constitutional governance. He underscored the importance of the bloc’s $2.6 billion Standby Force, describing it as crucial to combating terrorism in the Sahel region.
“The solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We have to do it together. The ECOWAS Standby Force must be ready. We will continue to invest in this, as well as in the economic prosperity and opportunities across our region,” President Tinubu concluded.
As the region grapples with security challenges and political instability, ECOWAS remains focused on restoring democratic order and ensuring the safety and prosperity of its member states.
