President Bola Tinubu, the newly re-elected chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), delivered a powerful address during the 65th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The summit, held at Nigeria’s Presidential Villa in Abuja, marked a significant milestone in President Tinubu’s leadership journey, as he urged member states to make substantial financial commitments in the fight against terrorism.
Highlighting the importance of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) in combating the rising threat of terrorism, President Tinubu emphasized that success in this endeavor requires not only strong political will but also significant financial resources.
He called upon member states to exceed expectations and recommendations set forth by the ministers of defense and finance, stressing the need to counter the prevailing insecurity and stabilize the region.
Recognizing the challenges faced by ECOWAS due to recent coups in member nations, President Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of the regional bloc in addressing these crises.
Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which have experienced political upheavals, have seen the imposition of sanctions, including border closures, by ECOWAS. Although these sanctions were lifted in February, the three countries decided to withdraw from ECOWAS and establish the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as an alternative platform.
In the face of these developments, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity and collective action within ECOWAS.
He called on member states to recommit themselves to the region’s stability and security, urging them to provide additional resources to combat terrorism and safeguard the well-being of their citizens.
President Tinubu’s re-election as the chairman of ECOWAS signifies a renewed determination to tackle the pressing challenges confronting the region.
With his call for stronger financial commitments and a unified front, he sets the stage for a collaborative effort to combat terrorism and restore stability to West Africa.
