President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to steadfastly uphold the principle that democracy continues to be the prevailing form of governance in the sub-region.
Addressing the 64th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of the Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu, in his capacity as Chairman, called upon leaders to actively champion democracy and oppose any unconstitutional change of government within member states.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja, he underscored the importance of re-engaging with countries under military rule, emphasizing the necessity for realistic and swift transition plans that can ensure the establishment of democracy and good governance.
Against the backdrop of a deepening crisis in the region, West African leaders are convening to address challenges, with four countries falling under military rule and escalating risks from conflicts involving Sahel jihadists.
Following coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger since 2020, recent weeks have seen Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau claiming attempted coups within the ECOWAS bloc.
Compounding concerns, the withdrawal of French military forces from the Sahel, spanning the region along the Sahara desert in Africa, raises apprehensions about the potential spread of conflicts southward to Gulf of Guinea states such as Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast.
“These military coups are not only based on fake narrative and false justifications; they are also a driver of insecurity in the region,” ECOWAS commission president Omar Touray said in a meeting before the summit.