Breaking News: Tinubu Secures Second-Term As ECOWAS Chairman, Urges Member-States On Financial-Commitment Against Terrorism (View-Details)

Breaking News: Tinubu Secures Second-Term As ECOWAS Chairman, Urges Member-States On Financial-Commitment Against Terrorism (View-Details)

President Bola Tinubu has been re-elected as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government for another one-year term, following the 65th Ordinary Session held at the State House Conference Center, Abuja.

In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu acknowledged the regional challenges such as coups in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, along with the persistent threat of terrorism in the Sahel. He pledged to continue collaborating with ECOWAS leaders to uphold democratic values and structures across the community.

Underlining the importance of collective action, Tinubu appointed Senegalese President Bassirou Faye as Special Envoy to mediate with the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger who recently exited ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS). Faye will work closely with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in this diplomatic effort.

During his first term, Tinubu prioritized good governance, democracy, and economic integration as pivotal to addressing instability in West Africa. He emphasized the need for a unified approach to confront security threats, including the insurgency in the Sahel.

Addressing financial challenges within ECOWAS, Tinubu urged member states to fulfill their financial obligations promptly to enable effective operations and combat regional security challenges. He highlighted Nigeria’s commitment by designating the Nigeria National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) as a regional hub, offering capacity-building opportunities to all ECOWAS member states.

Looking ahead, Tinubu stressed the importance of retaining Nigeria’s position as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security, advocating for support towards Ambassador Bankole Adeoye’s re-election bid in 2025. He underscored the critical role of this position in addressing ongoing security issues in West Africa.

In closing, Tinubu reaffirmed ECOWAS’s dedication to regional integration, economic development, and peace enforcement. He called for strengthened cooperation between ECOWAS and the African Union to address shared challenges effectively, positioning ECOWAS as a cornerstone of peace and stability in the region.

The re-election of President Tinubu comes at a critical juncture for ECOWAS, as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics and works towards enhancing regional security and economic prosperity.

Published on July 8, 2024, by Destiny.jnr