Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasized the commitment of ECOWAS leaders to the welfare of citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger while maintaining a firm stance against unconstitutional governments. Speaking during German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit to Abuja, Tinubu stated that wisdom and diplomacy would be the guiding principles in reintegrating these nations into the regional bloc.
"We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing these innocent people," Tinubu was quoted as saying by media.
As ECOWAS chairman, Tinubu expressed disappointment over the reluctance of the three countries’ leadership to propose clear transition plans but stressed the bloc's openness to democratic reforms.
"Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional governments," he reportedly noted.
Tinubu reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to allowing free movement and trade while ensuring the well-being of affected citizens remains a priority.
Tinubu told the German leader that ECOWAS would continue its diplomatic efforts to restore democracy in the affected countries.
“We will leave the door [open] for collaboration. This is what ECOWAS will stand for,” he said, adding that the bloc would maintain its focus on the citizens’ welfare, even amid political uncertainties.
German President Steinmeier, in response, acknowledged the economic and security implications of reintegrating Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He expressed support for ECOWAS’s diplomatic approach and stressed the need for emergency plans to ensure future regional economic cooperation.
“For Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together. We understand why ECOWAS security members are insisting on diplomacy,” Steinmeier remarked, as cited by media.
In late January, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger declared they were leaving ECOWAS, criticizing the organization for not effectively addressing terrorism. They also labeled ECOWAS as a "threat" to its member states and condemned it for enforcing "illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible" sanctions on their nations following military takeovers.