President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has made a compelling plea for regional solidarity. He called for the immediate suspension of economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, emphasizing the need to uphold the foundational principles of ECOWAS: cooperation and shared destiny among West African nations.
Speaking at the Extra-ordinary Summit of ECOWAS in Abuja, President Tinubu highlighted the unintended consequences of sanctions, stating that they have hindered dialogue and impeded the welfare of the people in the affected nations. He stressed that measures which are hurtful yet ineffective serve no good purpose and should be abandoned in favor of strategies that promote security, social stability, and sustainable economic development.
President Tinubu proposed the indefinite suspension of economic sanctions and urged for the facilitation of essential humanitarian aid, including foodstuffs and medicines, to the affected countries. This gesture, he noted, includes the resumption of Nigeria’s export of electric power to Niger, highlighting the interconnectedness of the region’s welfare.
Beyond the immediate relief that the suspension of sanctions would bring, President Tinubu sees this as an opportunity for deeper cooperation within ECOWAS. He called upon his fellow leaders to address broader challenges that transcend national borders, such as climate change, violent extremism, and the protection of natural resources.
President Tinubu concluded by emphasizing the collective responsibility of ECOWAS leaders to forge a path of progress and unity. By extending a hand of friendship and collaboration to Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, ECOWAS can reaffirm its commitment to the principles of fraternity and shared prosperity that underpin the organization.
