By Ken Afor
On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of the West African bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) re-establishing connections with countries in the region that are currently under military rule.
He urged ECOWAS to provide assistance in facilitating pragmatic and expedited transitions to democracy.
It would be recalled that in July, Niger witnessed the most recent coup within the ECOWAS which saw President Mohamed Bazoum apprehended by soldiers from the presidential guard, leading to the establishment of a transitional government.
This event adds to the string of government overthrows in the Sahel region of West Africa.
Also, two weeks ago, coup attempts were reportedly foiled by the authorities in Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone respectively.
During the annual summit held in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, President Tinubu, who is the ECOWAS chairman, emphasized the importance of the bloc’s re-engagement “with the countries under military rule on the basis of realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance”.
“We should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support, to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals,” said Tinubu.
The military governments argue that the economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, which are causing harm to the impoverished, should be lifted.
In addition, Tinubu mentioned that ECOWAS will assess the establishment of a security alliance by certain member states currently under military governance.
In September, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso entered into a security agreement, pledging mutual assistance in the event of rebellion or external threats.
“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,” said Tinubu, before he led ECOWAS leaders into a closed-door meeting.
