In a recent meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria emphasized the need for unity among West African nations to combat the rising threats of banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities plaguing the region.
Hosting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Tinubu stressed the importance of aligning goals and structures to effectively address these challenges.
Acknowledging the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and Senegal, Tinubu highlighted the shared values and history of democracy that bind the two nations together.
He emphasized the necessity of prioritizing the people’s welfare in governance, stating that democracy loses its essence when the needs of the people are not at the forefront.
Tinubu also emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and constitutional order, stressing the need to respect critical institutions like the judiciary and the rule of law for the sustenance of democracy.
In response, President Faye of Senegal expressed appreciation for the strong relations between the two countries and called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal Joint Commission to enhance bilateral relations in various fields.
Regarding the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Faye expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and experience, highlighting the potential for strengthened relations among member states under his guidance.
He emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing common challenges such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling, emphasizing the need for unity to achieve economic prosperity and meet the aspirations of the people.
Overall, the meeting between Tinubu and Faye underscored the importance of regional cooperation and collaboration in addressing pressing issues facing West Africa.
It highlighted the shared commitment to democratic values, economic growth, and the well-being of the people, signaling a promising path forward for the region’s development and stability.
