Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stated in Abuja on Wednesday that the leaders of ECOWAS continue to prioritise the interests and well-being of the people of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
He also promised that reintegrating the countries into the commission would depend on their ability to use wisdom and diplomacy.
As the Chairman of ECOWAS, Tinubu welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Presidential Villa on a state visit. He pointed out that the three nations’ leadership had been hesitant to announce transition plans with specific dates.
As we reevaluate the circumstances in the three nations, we will maintain our mutually respectful partnership. I promise, however, that we will not tolerate unconstitutional government.
“We shall keep setting an exemplary example. The military is responsible for the deaths of our defenceless population. We will keep looking for ways to negotiate diplomatically without harming innocent people.
“We’ll keep permitting open trade and travel. His spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said, “We will not punish the innocent citizens; they do not have power, even though the transition program is uncertain or certain.”
The regional organisation will allow democracy to return to the countries, President Tinubu assured the German leader. That is what ECOWAS will represent. We are concerned about the citizens’ well-being regardless of what is going on in the countries. As Chairman of ECOWAS, I do not wish to personalise matters. “We’ll leave the door open for cooperation,
“The re-integration of the three nations will have a major effect on the West Coast’s economy and security, the German president responded.
“We will discuss both regional and bilateral concerns. The president of the ECOWAS Commission met with us just now. We are aware of how critical regional collaboration is. The European Union includes us as a member,” the president hinted.
“If Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso don’t continue working together, there will be major security and economic repercussions. We can see why the security members of ECOWAS are adamant about diplomacy.
“Maintaining the commission and the region together will require you to employ your diplomatic skills, which is not a simple task.
“You should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation while you are using diplomatic means to get Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to reconsider their stance,” the German leader stated.
