By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Chairman of Authority of Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu says the regional bloc is resolute to uphold its objective anchored on the development of democratic culture.
According to the Nigerian leader, the coup in the Sahel Alliance comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso would deter the pursuit for the enhancement of livelihood in West Africa.
Tinubu made this declaration on Sunday during his opening address at the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
“It is important that we also review some development in our sub-region, including the move by some of our members under Military rule to float an Alliance of Sahel States.
“This phantom, push back-alliance appears intended to divert attention from our mutual quest for democracy and good governance that will impact the life of our people.
“We refuse to be detracted from pursuing the collective dreams, aspirations, and the noble path of ECOWAS integration as laid out in our institutional and legal frameworks”, Tinubu told the heads of state.
After coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger since 2020, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc also saw member states Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau claim attempted coups in recent weeks.
A French military withdrawal from the Sahel, the region along the Sahara desert across Africa is increasing concerns over conflicts spreading south to Gulf of Guinea states Ghana, Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast.
“These military coups are not only based on fake narrative and false justifications; they are also a driver of insecurity in the region,” ECOWAS commission president Omar Touray said in a meeting before the summit.
