President Bola Tinubu, the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has reaffirmed that the welfare and interests of citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain a top priority as the regional body navigates the reintegration of the three countries.
Tinubu expressed these views on Wednesday during a state visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu acknowledged the reluctance of the military leadership in the three nations to commit to transition programmes with clear timelines but assured that wisdom and diplomacy would play a vital role in achieving progress.
“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,” Tinubu stated, according to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The Nigerian President emphasized the importance of safeguarding innocent citizens who are victims of military rule, highlighting that ECOWAS would pursue diplomatic solutions without inflicting undue suffering on the populace.
“We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people. 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.
Tinubu further assured that the door remains open for collaboration and the eventual return of democracy to the affected nations.
“Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens,” he said, pledging ECOWAS’ commitment to upholding constitutional governance.
German President Supports ECOWAS’ Diplomatic Approach
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in his response, lauded ECOWAS for its emphasis on diplomacy in addressing the crises. He acknowledged the economic and security implications of the ongoing instability in the three nations and urged continued regional cooperation.
“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 noted.
The German leader also advised ECOWAS to develop contingency plans for future economic cooperation while using diplomacy to bring the three countries back to constitutional governance.
“It is not easy, but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together,” he added.
