President Bola Tinubu has taken proactive steps to address the recent decision by the Republic of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In an effort to reconcile differences and reinforce regional cooperation and security, Tinubu has sent a high-level delegation to engage with the governments of these nations.
The decision by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to exit ECOWAS was announced on January 28, 2023, following their suspension by the regional bloc. The suspensions were a result of coups that took place in Niger in July 2023, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020. The three Sahel nations accused ECOWAS of failing to assist them in combating jihadist threats that have plagued the region.
President Tinubu’s delegation, led by the President of ECOWAS, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, includes the Minister of Defence, Mr. Abubakar Badaru, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and other top government officials. The delegation aims to find possible solutions to the pressing challenges facing member-states, such as climate change, violent extremism, migration, and organized crime.
During an extraordinary session of the mediation and security council of ECOWAS, Amb. Tuggar emphasized the importance of coming together as members of the bloc to solve common problems. He highlighted the delegation’s efforts to address pressing issues and find ways to strengthen regional cooperation and security.
The Defence Minister, Badaru, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional security cooperation with other ECOWAS member countries. He stressed the importance of collective action in addressing regional security challenges and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.
President Tinubu’s decision to send a delegation to Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso demonstrates his commitment to resolving differences within the ECOWAS community and reinforcing regional cooperation and security. The engagement with the governments of these nations is a crucial step towards finding common ground and addressing the challenges faced by member-states.