From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has implored West African leaders to prioritise good governance and collective prosperity.
“This is an essential tool to prevent authoritarian takeovers of power and unconstitutional changes of government in the region,” Mr Ajuri Ngelale, his media aide, quoted him as saying, in an address at the 64th ordinary session of the regional body.
The session is currently ongoing in Abuja.
The president identified good governance as a key catalyst to securing popular support through socio-economic transformation and development.
“The delivery of good governance is not just a fundamental commitment; it is also an avenue to address the concerns of our citizens, to improve their quality of life, and create a stable environment conducive to the achievement of sustainable development.
“By providing good governance that tackles the challenges of poverty, inequality and other concerns of the people, we would have succeeded in addressing some of the root causes of military interventions in civilian processes in our region,” the President said.
On the decisions taken by West African leaders to further strengthen the region’s democratic achievements and uphold the right of the people to elect the leaders of their choice, Tinubu said the bloc had outlined specific measures to be taken against any member state opting for unconstitutional change of government.
“While the imposition of punitive sanctions may pose challenges, it is important to underscore that the struggle to protect the fundamental liberties of our Community’s citizens must be upheld and respected.
“To this end, I would like to reiterate the imperative of re-engaging with the countries under military rule on the basis of realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance to the innocent populations in those countries.
“On our part, we should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support, to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals.”
Tinubu also used the occasion to applaud President George Weah of Liberia for conceding victory and congratulating his opponent during the last presidential election in Liberia.
He invited leaders at the summit and other participants to give a standing ovation to President Weah.
He also acknowledged the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria who, in 2015, displayed a similar commitment to democratic ideals after losing his re-election to the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.
“I would also like to seize this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Republic of Liberia for the successful conduct of the presidential election, widely adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
“Let me also commend my brother and colleague, George Weah, for his exemplary leadership and conduct throughout the electoral process.
“By accepting defeat and congratulating his opponent, President Weah has left a legacy to be emulated by politicians in our region and beyond,” he said.
On the recent disturbances in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, the ECOWAS Chairman asked fellow leaders to pay attention to protecting democracy, reiterating ECOWAS’ zero tolerance to unconstitutional changes of government.
“I urge all of us to stand strong and be highly committed in the face of any challenge in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau. The message must go down clearly that we support a democratically elected government, not an unconstitutional exercise.
“The re-elected president of Sierra Leone is present here. We are saying it loud and clear that we are with you.
“Without let or hindrance, democracy will win if we fight for it, and we will definitely fight for democracy,” the President declared.
Meanwhile, the Authority of Heads of ECOWAS has resolved to create transition organs and begin negotiations with Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), on a short transition roadmap, and assist in the establishment of a transition monitoring and evaluation system.
The objective, according to the communique read by President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, is to guarantee the swift restoration of constitutional order in the nation whose constitutional government was overthrown in late July 2023.
Touray read the communique at the end of the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
He said if the junta supports the measures, the bloc would gradually lift the sanctions now in place against the Niger Republic; if not, the penalties will remain in place.
The ECOWAS also threatened to request the African Union to impose stiffer sanctions on members of the CNSP and their associates even as it readies its standby force for possible military intervention.
Touray said, “The Authority decides to set up a committee of heads of state made up of the President and head of state of the Republic of Togo, the President and the head of state of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the President and head of state of the Republic of Benin, to engage with CMSP and other stakeholders with a view to agreeing on a short transition roadmap, establishing transition organs as well as facilitating the setting up of a transition monitoring and evaluation mechanism towards the speedy restoration of constitutional order.
“Based on the outcomes of the engagement by the committee of heads of state with the CNSP, the Authority will progressively ease the sanctions imposed.
“On failure by the CNSP to comply with the outcomes of the engagement with the committee, ECOWAS shall maintain all sanctions, including the use of force and shall request the African Union and all other partners to enforce the targeted sanctions on members of the CNSP and their associates.”
While commending the efforts of its Chairperson, President Bola Tinubu, towards a peaceful resolution of the political crisis, the Authority said it “deeply deplores the continued detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family and associates by the CNSP administration.”
The bloc also criticised the “lack of commitment on the part of the CNSP to restore constitutional order.”
Consequently, it called on the junta to “release President Mohamed Bazoum, his family and associates immediately and without condition.”