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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has told military junta in Mali, who took over powers in August 2020; Burkina Faso in September 2022; and Niger that July 2023, that the Authority of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to reconsider the their decision to exit the body, saying the bloc is the enemy in the quest to find lasting solution to stable democracy in the region.
He stated this in his opening remarks at the ongoing ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit holding at the State House Conference Center, focusing on the political, peace and security situation in the region.
Tinubu, who is the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and leading talks on developments within and around member-states that have fallen under military rule, noted that the current situation facing the subregion, demands that the bloc takes difficult but courageous decisions that put the plight of her people at the centre of the leaders deliberations.
He said: “Times like we currently face in our sub region demand that we take difficult but courageous decisions that put the plight of our people at the centre of our deliberations. Democracy is nothing more than the political framework and the path to addressing the basic needs and aspirations of the people.
“This is why we must re-examine our current approach to the quest for constitutional order in four of our Member States. I therefore urge them to re-consider the decision of the three of them to exit their home and not to perceive our organization as the enemy because we are not the enemy.”
President Tinubu said: “Once more, we are gathered here to address pressing developments in our sub-region surrounding the 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.”
He explained that the complexities of the issues at hand necessitated a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Adding, “accordingly, it is incumbent upon us to engage in constructive dialogue, exercise prudent judgement, and work collectively towards finding enduring solutions that will lead to sustainable peace and security as well as political stability in our region.
“The gravity of our responsibilities as leaders in these challenging times cannot be overstated and it is through our concerted efforts and a deep sense of history that we can address these challenges in the spirit of shared vision, solidarity and collective responsibilities.
“Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Guests, I come before you today burdened by the weight of the challenges confronting us. I am equally buoyed by the spirit of collective resolve that defines our ECOWAS community. This extraordinary summit was convened at a critical juncture that demands our focused attention on regional issues.”
The Nigerian leader said the Summit will receive a Memorandum from the ECOWAS Commission President on the peace, security and political situation in the region.
He said: “The Memorandum will give us an update on the current situation in the Republics of Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger. On that note, 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.
“Furthermore, we will deliberate on the announced withdrawal from ECOWAS by the Republics of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. In the spirit of collective security and African solidarity, we realize that the stability of these nations is intricately linked to the overall peace and security of West Africa. As such, it is pertinent that we engage in constructive deliberations to examine the actions taken by these countries and ensure that the citizens are not denied the benefits derived from our regional integration initiatives.
“In our ensuing discussions, we must put the plight of people, the ordinary citizens at the centre of our decisions.”
President Tinubu said the Summit will also touch the recent decision by the Constitutional Council of Senegal to annul the postponement of the electoral process is a matter that demands our attention.
“We commend our brother Macky Sall for agreeing to abide by the Court’s decision to organize election as soon as possible and to step down in line with the rule of law. We must all commend his courage and statesmanship as we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.
“Let me underscore that these challenges, though daunting, present an opportunity for ECOWAS to reaffirm its commitment to the vision of our founding fathers and the principles underpinning our commitment to peace, security, and regional integration. We must stand united in our resolve to promote economic integration, democracy, and human rights, with a view to fostering sustainable development across all our member states.”
He expressed confidence that through their collective efforts and determination, they will navigate the challenges before the region and chart a course towards a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa.
He commended the large numbers at the meeting which demonstrates the leaders 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.
Recall that Mali, August 2020; Burkina Faso, September 2022; and Niger, July 2023, have all experienced military coups which led to their being sanctioned by the ECOWAS Authority, a step that had escalated hostility within the region.
However, the military-led juntas of Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger, in late January, announced their withdrawal from the regional body over “illegal sanctions” harming their people.
They also alleged that the bloc had fallen under the influence of foreign governments whose interests, they said were far from the peoples’.
In July 2023, the regional bloc approved the “Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger. Freeze all service transactions, including energy transactions.”
It froze assets of the Republic of Niger in Aqua Central Bank and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.
It also took similar steps when Mali and Burkina-Faso fell under military rule.
Although ECOWAS’s rules mandate a withdrawing member state to issue one year’s notice, the junta declared their secession as immediate. It was the first withdrawal nearly 24 years after Mauritania pulled out in December 2000.
On February 15, ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic announced plans to establish a confederation.
