The Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says the regional bloc will re-engage member countries under military rule based on realistic and short transition plans that would deliver democracy and good governance.
According to him, this new approach will help to achieve a quicker return to constitutional democracy in some of the West African countries.
The ECOWAS Chairman made this known on Sunday during his opening statement at the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He affirmed that the regional bloc stands against the unconstitutional change of government in the sub-region and will continue to do so.
President Tinubu called on member countries to strengthen democracy in the region as there is no alternative to governance.
“While the imposition of punitive sanctions may pose challenges, it is important to underscore that the struggle to protect the fundamental liberties of our Community Citizens must be upheld and respected. To this end, I would like to reiterate the imperative of re-engaging with the countries under military rule based on realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance. On our part, we should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support, to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals.
“We must pay attention to protect the institution and protect democracy I wish to underscore the fact that we stand against the unconstitutional change of government in our sub-region and we will continue to do so.”
He reiterated that Military rule is an aberration that subverts the popular will of the people hence it no longer has a place in Africa.
“The message must go out loud and clear military rule has become an aberration that subverts the popular will of the people. It no longer has any place in Africa. Our people must be allowed to exercise their freedom of choice without let or hindrance. For democracy to endure in our sub-region, we must improve on good government and respect human rights and the rule of law.”
On the recent development in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, the ECOWAS Chair expressed solidarity with the people and Government of Sierra Leone; he underscored the unequivocal stance of ECOWAS against the hijack of power, saying that any form of unconstitutional change of government in the sub-region will not be tolerated.
“I therefore urge all of us to stand strong and united in solidarity with the People and Governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau in the face of these unfortunate incidents.
“Our people must be allowed to exercise their freedom of choice without let or hindrance. For democracy to endure in our sub-region, we must improve on good government and respect human rights and the rule of law.” The ECOWAS Chair added.
President Tinubu commended the President of Liberia, George Weah, for his exemplary leadership and conduct throughout the November Presidential election in Liberia.
The ECOWAS Chair lauded President Weah adding that he has left a legacy to be emulated by politicians in regional bloc and beyond.
“On behalf of Members of the Authority, I express gratitude for his significant contributions to the Organization and wish him the best in all his future endeavours.”
The 64th Ordinary session of ECOWAS considered several issues, Reports and Memoranda affecting critical areas and agendas of the community.
Attending the 64th Ordinary Session meeting of the ECOWAS in Abuja are; Nigeria’s Former President Goodluck Jonathan, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President, ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, Chairman ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau; President George Weah of Liberia; President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President Faure Gnassingbe.
Other member countries, Benin Republic, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo attended the meeting
It would be recalled that among the 16 ECOWAS Member States; Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea Bissau are currently under military rule.
