President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)’s commitment to persuading Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to reestablish ties with the regional bloc.
The three nations severed their relationships with ECOWAS following sanctions imposed in response to military coups within their borders.
Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of ECOWAS, emphasized that the bloc remains committed to fostering friendly relations with the countries in question.
“It is in our hearts to ensure that security is enhanced and that constitutional government is defended and promoted in our region,” Tinubu stated in a press release issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.
The President made these remarks during a meeting with ECOWAS defence chiefs in Abuja, where he acknowledged the challenges faced during his tenure.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He underscored the importance of unity in addressing regional issues, adding, “No one man is smarter than the group of heads that is here.
We will do everything to offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us.
The solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We have to do it together.”
Tinubu also stressed the need for the ECOWAS standby force to remain prepared and highlighted the bloc’s ongoing investments in security and economic prosperity across the region.
Echoing Tinubu’s sentiments, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, emphasized that the region must collectively address insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government.
