Tinubu to German president: ECOWAS will continue to explore diplomacy with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger

President Bola Tinubu said on Wednesday the interest and welfare of the citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remained a priority of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders.

The president stated this when he received his German counterpart, Mr. Frank–Walter Steinmeier, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said wisdom and diplomacy would make the difference in reintegrating the countries into the commission.

The three countries left ECOWAS last year after West African leaders threatened to sanction Niger Republic over the military coup that toppled President Mohammed Basoum’s government in August of the same year.

Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, noted that the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant to bring out transition programmes with clear dates.

He said: “Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure you is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government.

“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 innocent people.

“We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they do not own power.”

He told the German leader that the regional body would leave the door open for the return of democracy in the countries.

“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the well-being of the citizens.

READ ALSO: Tinubu welcomes German President Steinmeier to Nigeria

“I don’t want to personalise issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,” the president added.

In his response, the German President said the re-integration of the three countries would have a significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.

“We will talk about bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of the ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union.

“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.

“It is not easy but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together.

“While you are using diplomatic means to bring Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to rethink their position, you should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation,” Walter Steinmeier stated.

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