• Urged member-States on meeting financial commitments
• Offers Nigeria’s counter-terrorism centre for use by region
• ‘ECOWAS needs security, stability to achieve potential’
• Bloc risks disintegration if junta-led States leave, Touray warns
• Report: Sit-tight leaders in 24 countries made 35 constitutional amendments in 21 years
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) renewed President Bola Tinubu’s mandate as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government during the 65th Ordinary Session in Abuja.
President Tinubu extended his tenure and emphasized the need for security, stability, and financial resources to combat terrorism in the region.
He appointed a special envoy to mediate with leaders from Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad, emphasizing the importance of unity within ECOWAS.
Tinubu highlighted the necessity of a regional standby force to enhance security and economic development, calling on member states to increase their contributions to the region’s security.
The President also emphasized the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre and developing innovative approaches to unleash the region’s economic potential.
In the face of growing security threats and potential disintegration, ECOWAS faces challenges from junta-led countries, risking the benefits of freedom of movement and security cooperation.
The region also faces constitutional manipulation and military coups, with leaders amending constitutions to extend their stay in power.