President Bola Tinubu has expressed his commitment to persuading Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The three countries had severed ties with the bloc after sanctions were imposed on them following coups in their domains.
Speaking during a meeting with ECOWAS defence chiefs, Tinubu emphasized the importance of regional unity in addressing security challenges. “It is in our hearts to make sure that security is enhanced, and that constitutional government is defended and promoted in our region,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged the challenges posed by the exit of the three countries but expressed optimism in their potential return. “We will work hard to persuade them to return, whichever way. No one man is smarter than the group of heads that is here. We will do everything to offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us.”
The President also highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing terrorism and other regional challenges. “The solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We have to do it together. The ECOWAS standby force must be ready. We will continue to invest in this, as well as in the economic prosperity and opportunities across our region.”
