What Tinubu Told ECOWAS Leaders In Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to remain steadfast in ensuring that democracy remains the predominant form of governance in the sub-region.
In his capacity as Chairman, President Tinubu made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 64th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of the Heads of State and Government at the State House in Abuja.
President Tinubu called on the leaders to champion democracy and oppose any unconstitutional change of government within member states.
However, he stressed the importance of re-engaging with countries under military rule to establish realistic and concise transition plans that can facilitate the restoration of democracy and good governance.
The West African leaders are convening to address the deepening crisis in the region, marked by military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger since 2020. Additionally, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau have reported attempted coups in recent weeks. The French military’s withdrawal from the Sahel, the region along the Sahara desert, is heightening concerns about the potential spread of conflicts to Gulf of Guinea states such as Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast
“These military coups are not only based on fake narrative and false justifications; they are also a driver of insecurity in the region,” ECOWAS commission president Omar Touray said in a meeting before the summit.
