President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to persuading the military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to reintegrate their countries into the regional organization.
Tinubu, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized that efforts would continue to extend a “hand of friendship” to these nations.
Speaking during a meeting with ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja on Friday, August 9, 2024, Tinubu stated, “We will do everything to offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us.” His remarks were disclosed by 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 highlighted the challenges faced during his tenure due to the departure of these three nations from the economic bloc but expressed hope for their return. “It is in our hearts to make sure that security is enhanced and that constitutional government is defended and promoted in our region,” he said.
The ECOWAS chairman also commended the Chiefs of Defence Staff for their dedication to regional stability and the protection of constitutional governance. He further announced that ECOWAS member states would continue to invest in the $2.6 billion Standby Force, describing it as a crucial tool in 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,” Tinubu declared.
Tinubu’s remarks come nearly three weeks after he hinted at plans for a special extraordinary session to discuss the future of the economic bloc amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the situation in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
