Abuja, Thursday – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, presided over the commencement of the 2nd Extraordinary Summit addressing the ongoing socio-political crisis in the Republic of Niger. Emphasizing the commitment to peaceful resolution, President Tinubu affirmed the regional bloc’s dedication to diplomatic efforts and dialogue as essential tools to restore constitutional governance.
In a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu underscored the importance of prioritizing negotiations and discussions involving all relevant parties, including the coup leaders, to facilitate the reinstatement of President Bazoum and the return to constitutional order. The President highlighted that exhaustively engaging all avenues of diplomacy is crucial for ensuring a swift transition back to democratic governance in Niger.
President Tinubu stressed the gravity of the situation, stating that the political turmoil in Niger poses not only a threat to the nation’s stability but also holds broader implications for West Africa as a whole. He urged fellow leaders to uphold democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as guiding principles to restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger.
Building upon the commitments from a prior Extraordinary Summit held in Abuja, President Tinubu recalled the collective condemnation of the military coup by ECOWAS leaders. He outlined the coordinated efforts taken by ECOWAS, including the deployment of mediation teams and Special Envoys, to engage with key stakeholders both within and beyond the region.
Acknowledging recent key developments, President Tinubu referenced the meeting of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff and the ECOWAS Commission’s memorandum on the ongoing situation in Niger. He asserted that these insights will guide the decisions of the Heads of State and Government during the summit.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit will mark a significant turning point toward a more resilient and integrated West Africa. He called on fellow leaders to capitalize on this opportunity to forge a future characterized by peace, progress, and prosperity for the African continent.
The opening ceremony saw the attendance of Presidents from Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Additionally, Foreign Ministers represented Liberia and the Gambia. Notably, non-ECOWAS leaders, including the presidents of Mauritania and Burundi, were also present, underscoring the regional and international significance of the summit.
