WEDNESDAY April 23, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu has expressed concern over the surge of unconstitutional changes in West Africa, cautioning that such developments jeopardize the region’s hard-won democratic progress and stability.
Speaking on Tuesday at the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee in Accra, Ghana, Tinubu emphasized that these disruptions threaten the democratic foundations the region has “painstakingly built.”
Represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to upholding democratic values.
“The fundamental principles that bind us: democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and regional solidarity. These are not just ideals; they are the foundations for peace, development, and the dignity of our people,” he said, referring to the resurgence of military rule in the region since 2021.
Between August 2020 and August 2024, West and Central Africa witnessed approximately nine coup attempts. Of these, four resulted in successful military takeovers in the West African nations of Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
In response, ECOWAS consistently condemned the coups, suspended the implicated countries from its institutions, and imposed targeted sanctions aimed at compelling the military regimes to return to civilian governance.
These actions, however, escalated tensions and ultimately led to the formal withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc.
Following their departure, the three nations established a new economic alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The juntas in these countries accused ECOWAS of failing to adequately support their counterterrorism efforts and of implementing sanctions that disproportionately harmed their citizens.
Despite appeals from ECOWAS to reconsider their decision, the three countries stood firm. Nonetheless, during a jubilee celebration marking ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary since its founding in 1975, Tinubu urged member states to renew their commitment to unity and regional solidarity.
“It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region.”
He called the jubilee celebrations a new chapter for the bloc, while emphasizing that member states must be open to reconciliation with the junta-led countries that withdrew.
“In hopes of reconciliation and reintegration, we must remain open and willing to engage in sustained, constructive dialogue with our estranged brothers, those Member States currently outside our fold.
“At the same time, there is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions’ effectiveness, relevance, and credibility to meet the challenges of today and the future,” he said.
