Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday that ECOWAS will approach the reintegration of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso with diplomacy and care. Speaking during Steinmeier’s state visit to Abuja, Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, emphasized that the well-being of the citizens in these countries remains a top priority.
Tinubu acknowledged that the leadership in the three nations had yet to present clear transition programs, making the situation more complex. He stressed that while ECOWAS will not tolerate unconstitutional regimes, the focus will be on protecting innocent civilians from the effects of political turmoil. “We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate this situation without punishing the innocent people,” he said.
He also reassured that ECOWAS would leave the door open for the return of democracy in the affected countries, without personalizing the issue as ECOWAS Chairman. The President reiterated that free movement and trade would continue in the region, despite the ongoing political challenges.
In response, President Steinmeier acknowledged the significant impact the political crises in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have had on regional security and the economy. He commended ECOWAS’ diplomatic efforts and advised that while continuing to push for change in these countries, emergency plans for future economic cooperation should also be considered.
