By Ebiere kekeboro
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reintegrating Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger into the regional body. The president, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, gave this assurance while receiving the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in a state visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Tinubu noted that the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant to bring out transition programmes with clear dates. He, however, assured that ECOWAS would continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate the situation without punishing innocent citizens.
“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure you is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government,” President Tinubu said.
He added, “We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing innocent people. We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power.”
President Tinubu also assured that ECOWAS would leave the door open for the return of democracy in the countries. “This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the well-being of the citizens. I don’t want to personalise issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,” he said.
In his response, the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, noted that the re-integration of the three countries would have a significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.
“We will talk bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of the ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union,” President Steinmeier said.
He added, “For Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together. We understand why ECOWAS security members are insisting on diplomacy. It is not easy, but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together.”