President Bola Tinubu, who serves as the chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, articulated the organization’s unwavering dedication to engaging with the military leaders of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso in the pursuit of reinstating their nations’ membership in the regional bloc.

In a meeting with ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja last Friday, President Tinubu underscored the importance of strengthening security and upholding constitutional government within the region. He acknowledged the difficulties faced following the departure of three member countries and expressed resolve to persuade them to return through diplomatic channels.

According to Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu emphasized the collective wisdom and strength of the heads of state and government within ECOWAS, affirming their intention to extend friendship and provide compelling reasons for the departed nations to rejoin the organization.

The ECOWAS chairman praised the commitment demonstrated by the defence chiefs in prioritizing regional stability and the preservation of constitutional governance. He emphasized the crucial nature of addressing terrorism and other regional challenges as a unified entity, highlighting the readiness of the ECOWAS standby force to confront emerging threats. President Tinubu also emphasized ongoing investments in economic prosperity and opportunities throughout the region.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and chairman of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, conveyed to President Tinubu the consensus reached among the defence chiefs concerning the collective approach needed to address regional challenges such as insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government. Additionally, discussions focused on enhancing the capacity of the ECOWAS military component, including the proposed standby force.

General Musa disclosed a decision to deploy 1,200 troops to Sierra Leone, with participating countries pledging support for this endeavor. The funding of this initiative and logistical considerations were also on the agenda for the meeting, with the ECOWAS ministers of finance scheduled to convene and deliberate on the critical issue of funding.

As highlighted by General Musa, there is a delicate balance between military efforts and the political aspects of good governance, peace, and security, all of which are essential for achieving sustained stability within the region. In conclusion, General Musa affirmed the unwavering commitment of the defence chiefs to collaborate harmoniously in ensuring the security and safety of the West African sub-region.

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