Tuggar Charges ECOWAS to Address Political Crisis in Mali,  B’Faso, Niger

Tuggar Charges ECOWAS to Address Political Crisis in Mali,  B’Faso, Niger

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The 53rd Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial level has been called to attention to the political situations in some member states, particularly Burkina-Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, which are currently under military rule.

In his opening remarks at the session in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, emphasized the need for the regional bloc to address the political situations in these member states, citing transitions, electoral processes, and governance deficits as pressing challenges.

Tuggar stressed that political stability is essential for sustainable development and regional integration, providing conditions necessary for peace, security, and economic growth.

He urged redoubled efforts to strengthen governance frameworks and promote inclusive, peaceful political transitions.

“The agenda before us today highlights the pressing challenges facing our region. Among these is the political situation in Member States, where transitions, electoral processes and governance deficits demand our concerted attention.

“Political stability is the foundation of sustainable development and regional integration. It provides the conditions necessary for peace, security and economic growth.

“Without stability, the aspirations of our people for prosperity and progress will remain unfulfilled. Thus, we must redouble efforts to strengthen governance frameworks and promote inclusive, peaceful political transitions,” Tuggar noted.

Recall that the three countries had announced their exit from the regional bloc January this year after separate coups between 2020 and last year.

ECOWAS subsequently imposed sanctions, demanding speedy restoration of civilian rule. However, some sanctions have since been lifted in favor of diplomatic means to persuade the military regimes to return power to democratically elected leaders.

Despite entreaties, the military rulers have defied all attempts and are forging ahead with their collaborations. The ECOWAS Standby Force is advancing steadily, with a focus on addressing shared burdens such as terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime.

The meeting also deliberated on reports on the political, humanitarian, and security situations in the region as well as the establishment of National Early Warning and Response Centres.

The deliberations will be ratified by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers today.