ECOWAS committed to restoring democracy in troubled Sahel states, says Tinubu

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will continue to exert diplomatic pressure on the military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to restore democratic governance in their countries.

As the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu made this declaration during a meeting with the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff on Friday in Abuja.

“Security and constitutional governance are our priorities. We will strive to ensure both are upheld in our region,” President Tinubu stated, according to a press release from his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by the recent political shifts in these nations, noting that ECOWAS would work tirelessly to bring them back into the fold. “No individual is wiser than the collective leadership here. We will extend a hand of friendship and offer them compelling reasons to return,” he said.

The President praised the defence chiefs for their dedication to maintaining regional stability and protecting constitutional order. “The solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We must tackle them together. The ECOWAS standby force must be prepared, and we will continue to invest in it alongside the economic prosperity and opportunities within our region,” he added.

General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and the Chairman of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, also addressed the meeting. He informed President Tinubu that the defence chiefs had reached a consensus on the need for collective action against regional challenges, including insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government.

General Musa further revealed that discussions had been held on strengthening the capacity of ECOWAS’s military components, including the proposed standby force. He announced a decision to deploy 1,200 troops to Sierra Leone, with various member states pledging support for the initiative.

“We recognize the importance of financial resources, and the ECOWAS ministers of finance will convene to address this critical issue. We also reviewed logistical arrangements,” General Musa said.

He emphasized the importance of balancing military efforts with political strategies, highlighting that good governance, peace, and security are essential for achieving long-term stability in the West African sub-region. General Musa assured that the defence chiefs remain committed to working together to ensure the safety and security of the region.