President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has emphasized the need for unity among member states to resist unconstitutional changes of government and ensure regional stability. Speaking at the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that no single country can achieve lasting stability in isolation, highlighting the importance of collective action against terrorism, violent extremism, and other security threats.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS’ ideals and its unwavering dedication to regional security, citing the recent deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic to thwart a coup attempt as a demonstration of the country’s resolve. He urged ECOWAS leaders to stand strong against unconstitutional changes of government, emphasizing that the bloc’s strength lies in its unity and collective commitment to democracy and good governance.
The ECOWAS summit, themed “Special Debate on the Future of the Community,” aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and address pressing security challenges, including coups, terrorism, and transnational crime. The leaders agreed to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force, including a 1,650-person counter-terrorism brigade, and to abolish air transport taxes to boost regional integration and economic growth.
ECOWAS also condemned recent coups and attempted coups in Guinea-Bissau and Benin, warning of targeted sanctions against individuals or groups obstructing the return to constitutional order. The bloc reaffirmed its commitment to defending democracy and promoting regional stability, with Tinubu emphasizing that “fraternity, not force, must define the future of ECOWAS”.
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