The Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government have called on the military junta in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger drop their decision to quit and return to the regional bloc.
The Chairman, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu made call at the opening of the Extra Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
The Nigerian President, advised the military junta, not to perceive ECOWAS as an enemy.
“We will deliberate on the announced withdrawal from ECOWAS by the Republics of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. In the spirit of collective security and African solidarity, we realize that the stability of these nations is intricately linked to the overall peace and security of West Africa. As such, it is pertinent that we engage in constructive deliberations to examine the actions taken by these countries and ensure that the citizens are not denied the benefits derived from our regional integration initiatives. In our ensuing discussions, we must put the plight of people, the ordinary citizens at the centre of our decisions.
“I therefore, urge them to re-consider the decision of the three of them to exit their home and not to perceive our organization as the enemy. I am confident that through our collective efforts and determination, we will navigate the challenges before us and chart a course towards a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa” he said.
President Tinubu also noted that the recent decision by the Constitutional Council of Senegal to annul the postponement of the electoral process is a matter that demands ECOWAS attention.
He however, commended Senegalese President, Macky Sall for agreeing to abide by the Court’s decision to organize election as soon as possible and to step down in line with the rule of law.
“We must all commend his courage and statesmanship as we wish him the very best in his future endeavours. Let me underscore that these challenges, though daunting, present an opportunity for ECOWAS to reaffirm its commitment to the vision of our founding fathers and the principles underpinning our commitment to peace, security, and regional integration.
“We must stand united in our resolve to promote economic integration, democracy, and human rights, with a view to fostering sustainable development across all our member states,” he said.
While urging ECOWAS Heads of State to take difficult but courageous decisions that put the plight of citizens at the centre of their deliberations, President, Tinubu, said, democracy is nothing more than the political framework to addressing the basic needs and aspirations of the people.
“This is why we must re-examine our current approach to the quest for constitutional order in four of our Member States,” he added.
