President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed on Wednesday that the welfare and interests of citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain a top priority for leaders of the Economic Community of West African States.
He expressed optimism that wisdom and diplomacy would play a pivotal role in reintegrating the three nations into the regional bloc.
President Tinubu, who serves as the Chairman of ECOWAS, made these remarks during a State Visit by the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu highlighted the reluctance of the leadership in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to present clear transition programmes with defined timelines for a return to democratic governance.
“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries,” Tinubu said in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He added, “What I can assure is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government.
“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.
“We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power.”
The President also assured the German leader that ECOWAS would remain committed to creating pathways for the return of democracy in the affected countries.
“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens. I don’t want to personalise issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,” Tinubu added.
Responding, President Steinmeier underscored the importance of reintegrating the three nations, citing the significant economic and security implications for the West African region.
“We will talk bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union,” Steinmeier said.
“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.
“It is not easy, but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together.
“While you are using diplomatic means to bring Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to rethink their position, you should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation,” the German leader added.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of ECOWAS and Germany to fostering regional stability and advancing economic collaboration amid the challenges posed by the political crises in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
