BREAKING: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger exit threatens peace, security in West Africa, Tinubu tells ECOWAS leaders

Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu said to the leaders and members of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS) that the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger poses a significant threat to the peace and security of the entire West African region.

Tinubu said this in his address speech on Saturday at the extraordinary Summit on the Peace, Political and Security situation in the ECOWAS Sub-region in Abuja.

The event is being held at the Presidential Banquet hall at the State House.

“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.

In a joint statement by their military leaders, Capt. Ibrahim Traoré (Burkina Faso), Col. Assimi Goita (Mali), and Brig. Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani (Niger Republic), the three countries announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS with immediate effect.

The three countries, which are currently under military rule, said they ceased to be members of ECOWAS as the regional body had allegedly “moved away from the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism.”

They accused the union of promoting unpleasant polices, which were in fact part of the fundamental practices of the body and core mandate of the group, and entrenched in its rules of procedure and which has sustained the union throughout the 49 or so odd years of its existence.

In his address, Tinubu urged the exited states to reconsider their decision. He emphasized that democracy should be the political framework that helps address the basic needs of the people. He also urged everyone not to perceive the union as the enemy.

“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.

“I am confident that through our collective efforts and determination, we will navigate the challenges before us and chart a course towards a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa.

Also in attendance are: President  Macky Sall of Senegal, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire; President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray;  Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State/President Bola Tinubu; President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo:  President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana; 2nd Row from left, Vice President  of the Gambia,  Muhammad Jallow; President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic and President Umaro Embalo Siseco of Guinea Bissau.