……..Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger adamant on rejoining sub-regional body
Leaders of the heads of government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have re-elected Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, as chairman of the sub-regional body.
This was even as three countries Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic seem to have remained adamant and ignored all pleas and intervention for them to rejoin the sub-regional body which they exited from in 2023, following some political disagreement
Leaders of the three countries were absent without representation at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of States and Government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria where president Tinubu was re – elected as chairman
The Nigerian president, who accepted his re-election, appointed the President of Senegal to join in the mediation with Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali
He pleaded with members states of the region to fulfil their financial commitments to the regional body to effectively tackle security challenges, stressing that substantial financial resources are crucial to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) and combat terrorism, banditry and violent extremism.
He emphasized that it is only when member states are committed to their financial obligations that stabilization of the region and counter insecurity would be prompted, adding that by meeting their financial commitments, ECOWAS member states will demonstrate their dedication to regional security and cooperation, enabling the community to better address the security challenges facing West Africa.
He said, “Let me underscore that a peaceful and secure society is essential for achieving our potentials, move to operationalise the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating terrorism, I must emphasise that the success of this plan requires, not only strong political will, but also substantial financial resources.
“We must therefore ensure that we meet the expectations and recommendations set forth by our ministers of Defense and Finance in order to counter the insecurity and stabilise our region. Member states must make extra commitment on providing resources for stabilizing the region.
“To this end, I urge ECOWAS to leverage on the capability of the Nigeria National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), which is widely acknowledge as one of the best on the continent.
“The Nigerian government has decided to declare the NCTC as a regional centre to enable all ECOWAS member states benefit from capacity building and other related opportunities it offers.
“Your excellencies, dear heads of state, I urge those of you with time to visit the centre before your departure and assess first-hand on the facilities and the capabilities of NCTC”, President Tinubu said.
The ECOWAS chairman also emphasized unity among member states, as urged them to unite and develop innovative approaches to unlock the region’s economic potential and promote prosperity.