President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called on Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to return to the regional bloc as part of efforts to address escalating security challenges in West Africa. These three nations withdrew from ECOWAS after the organization imposed sanctions in response to military coups in their territories.
During a meeting with ECOWAS defense chiefs in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in combating terrorism and restoring constitutional governance in the region. “Our goal is to enhance security and uphold constitutional government across West Africa,” Tinubu said. “We remain committed to extending a hand of friendship to Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, and we will continue to persuade them to rejoin our community.”
The withdrawal of these nations has complicated regional efforts to tackle the growing threat of insurgency. Tinubu acknowledged the difficulty of his role, noting that collective action is crucial in overcoming the challenges faced by the region. “No single country can effectively address these security issues alone. We must stand together to find lasting solutions,” he added.
General Christopher Musa, Chairman of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, echoed Tinubu’s call for unity. He stressed that the return of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso is vital to the success of regional security initiatives. “Insurgency is spreading rapidly, and we cannot afford to be divided in our response. These nations’ participation is essential to securing peace and stability in West Africa,” Musa said.
Musa also highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring the three countries back into the fold, emphasizing that their involvement is critical for addressing the region’s security concerns. “We are working tirelessly to ensure these nations see the value of rejoining ECOWAS. Their absence weakens our collective ability to combat terrorism and protect our people,” he noted.
As ECOWAS continues its efforts to persuade Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to return, the regional bloc remains focused on strengthening cooperation among member states to ensure a secure and prosperous future for West Africa.
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