President Bola Tinubu has asked leaders of West African countries to unite against terrorism and military takeovers in the region.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, spoke on Sunday during the 68th ordinary session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) authority of heads of state and government held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The president said the external threats facing the region “demand nothing less than a united front” from member states.
He said no single country can achieve stability alone without the assistance of other nations in the region, adding that Nigeria remains convinced about the ideals of ECOWAS.
Tinubu said the country believes that “fraternity, not force, must define the future of our community”.
“Excellencies, the external threats confronting West Africa today demand nothing less than a united front: terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational organised crime, arms for liberation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity and irregular migration,” he said.
“No single member state, regardless of size, can achieve enduring stability in isolation. We must sit at the same table, speak with one voice and act with shared results.
“This is the position of Nigeria, and it is the abiding conviction of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, whose actions have consistently signalled that our unity is not transactional but foundational. We remain persuaded that fraternity, not force, must define the future of our community.
“This session could not have come at a more consequential moment. We have, in recent times, allowed our differences to shake the very foundations of our union, yet history reminds us that ECOWAS can only fulfil the purpose of inspiration when every member state upholds the values of pureness, justice and equity within its domestic affairs.”
Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS chairman and Sierra Leone’s president, commended Nigeria for the swift deployment of troops to the Republic of Benin to stop the attempted coup.
Bio said there is a need for West African countries to come together, adding that “instability in one nation is instability in all”.
“West Africa faces some of the most complex and evolving threats in its history; terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and communal conflicts continue to destabilise communities and undermine development,” he said.
“The situation in the Sahel remains particularly grave. Instability in one nation is instability for all.
“No border can insulate us from violence or fragmentation; the courage of our defence and security forces deserves our utmost admiration.
“Yet, terrorist networks continue to exploit fragility and attempt to expand their influence; our response must therefore be united and uncompromising.”
