President Bola Tinubu has stated that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will persist in encouraging Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to rejoin the bloc.
These nations severed ties with ECOWAS after the bloc imposed sanctions on them following coups in their territories.
Tinubu, who also serves as the ECOWAS Chairman, emphasized that the regional bloc will maintain a friendly approach towards these countries.
“It is in our hearts to make sure that security is enhanced, and that constitutional government is defended and promoted in our region,” Tinubu was quoted in a Friday statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
According to Ngelale, the President spoke in Abuja when he met with ECOWAS defence chiefs.
ECOWAS hand of friendship still open to Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, says President Bola Tinubu pic.twitter.com/bmJks2tTkU
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) August 9, 2024
“It has been a challenging tenure for me since three members indicated their exit. We will work hard to persuade them to return, whichever way.
“No one man is smarter than the group of heads that is here. We will do everything to offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us. The solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We have to do it together.
“The ECOWAS standby force must be ready. We will continue to invest in this, as well as in the economic prosperity and opportunities across our region.”
President Tinubu once again appeals to leaders of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso to rejoin ECOWAS
President Bola Tinubu said Friday that ECOWAS will continue to persuade the military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to return their nations to the fold.
President Tinubu,… pic.twitter.com/34xszhRk2x
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) August 9, 2024
Also speaking, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, said insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government must be addressed collectively.
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