By Ebi Kesiena
President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Mali, despite the latter’s military-led government.
Receiving the Letter of Credence from Mali’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized unity among West African nations, stressing that no country can succeed alone.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to support Mali’s democratic transition and expressed hope that the country would return to constitutional rule. He maintained that Mali remained a brother nation, adding,
“We should strengthen our bilateral relations. Nigeria is home for you, and our doors will always be open.”
Mali, alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, exited ECOWAS in January after the regional bloc rejected their military takeovers and imposed sanctions. In response, the trio formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), signaling their intent to chart a different path.
While ECOWAS, under Tinubu’s chairmanship, has kept channels open for reconciliation, recent diplomatic engagements had been limited, until the Malian ambassador’s visit reignited hopes for renewed dialogue.
Ambassador Coulibaly conveyed greetings from Malian leader General Assimi Goïta and expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s longstanding leadership in Africa. He acknowledged Nigeria’s role in peacekeeping and described his mission as an effort to find African solutions to African problems.
“The Head of State told me I was going to the biggest country in Africa. It’s not easy, but diplomacy requires finding common ground,” Coulibaly said.
