Amidst mounting regional tensions, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has issued a resounding call for the suspension of punitive measures against Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, marking a pivotal shift towards regional reconciliation.
Addressing the Extra-ordinary Summit of ECOWAS in Abuja, Tinubu, wielding authority as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, advocated for a cessation of sanctions on the military-ruled countries, emphasizing the imperative of unity and cooperation in fostering sustainable development across West Africa.
“ECOWAS was established for the unassailable objective of improving the lives of the people of this region through fraternal cooperation among all member states. This edifice was cemented on the strong foundation and apt conviction that, united as one, we can be the true masters of our destiny.”
“However, the sanctions that we contemplated might help lead our brothers to the negotiating table have become a harsh stumbling block. In my mind and heart, that which is hurtful yet ineffective serves no good purpose and should be abandoned,” Tinubu reconsiderably noted.
Asserting the need for compassion and solidarity during the holy month of Ramadan and Lent, Tinubu urged a gesture of goodwill towards the affected nations, paving the way for the unfettered flow of essential humanitarian aid and the prompt resumption of power exports to Niger.
In a stirring appeal to ECOWAS leaders, he underscored the urgency of embracing dialogue and collaboration to tackle shared challenges, transcending boundaries and fostering regional prosperity.
“We must take note of the approach of the holy month of Ramadan and of Lent. Whether you pray in the mosque or in the church, this represents a time for compassion, hope, and harmony. It is a time that we must not only seek God but also a closer relationship with brother and neighbour.
“In the Spirit of the holy month and of the Lenten period, and with hearts bestirred by goodwill towards all our people, let us extend a hand as brothers and friends to those in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
“What I suggest in real and practical terms is that we, my colleagues and fellow heads of state in ECOWAS, indefinitely suspend economic sanctions against Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso and against the leadership of the military authorities in those nations.”
With a call to suspend sanctions and extend a hand of fraternity, Tinubu sets the stage for a renewed era of cooperation and progress, urging leaders of the affected nations to seize the opportunity for reconciliation and mutual advancement.
