President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will prioritize the welfare of citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger as the regional bloc works towards reintegrating the three nations into the fold.
Tinubu, who serves as ECOWAS Chairman, made this commitment on Wednesday during a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Highlighting the reluctance of the military regimes in the three nations to provide clear transition timelines, President Tinubu stated, “Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government.”
The Nigerian leader emphasized the importance of diplomacy in addressing the crisis, stressing that innocent citizens should not suffer for the actions of their leaders. “We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people. We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power,” he said.
President Tinubu further affirmed that ECOWAS would keep the door open for a democratic return in the affected nations. “This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens. I don’t want to personalize issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,” he added.
German President Steinmeier, on a state visit to Nigeria, echoed Tinubu’s sentiments on the significance of reintegrating the three countries into the regional body. He emphasized that their exclusion has far-reaching economic and security implications.
“For Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together. We understand why ECOWAS security members are insisting on diplomacy,” Steinmeier said. He also urged the West African bloc to continue its efforts to maintain regional cohesion. “It is not easy, but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together.”
The German leader advised ECOWAS to have contingency plans in place to ensure future economic cooperation with the three countries. “While you are using diplomatic means to bring Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to rethink their position, you should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation,” he noted.
Both leaders agreed on the critical role of regional cooperation in addressing the current challenges, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that combines firmness with diplomacy.
