ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the importance of diplomacy and the welfare of citizens as key priorities in the reintegration of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Speaking during a state visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu underscored the need for wisdom in handling the situation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Tinubu, who currently serves as the Chairman of ECOWAS, highlighted the reluctance of the leadership in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to establish clear transition programs with defined timelines. He assured that ECOWAS would not tolerate unconstitutional governments and emphasized the importance of mutual respect in regional relations. Tinubu reiterated that the organization would employ diplomatic channels to address the challenges without punishing innocent citizens, ensuring the continued free movement and trade within the region.
The German President, in
response, acknowledged the significant impact that the reintegration of the three countries would have on the economy and security of West Africa. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and noted the serious security and economic implications of the current situation. Steinmeier expressed support for ECOWAS’s diplomatic efforts and suggested having contingency plans for future economic cooperation, highlighting the role of diplomacy in maintaining regional stability.