German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to develop emergency strategies for future economic cooperation within the West African region. Steinmeier made this recommendation during his state visit to Nigeria on Wednesday, December 12, 2024, meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The discussion, as revealed in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, focused on addressing the challenges posed by the military rule in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Security and Economic Repercussions
Highlighting the implications of the three nations’ detachment from ECOWAS, President Steinmeier underscored the urgency of reintegrating them into the regional bloc.
“We just had a meeting with the President of the ECOWAS Commission. We understand the critical importance of regional cooperation, as we see in the European Union.
“For Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, their current isolation carries severe security and economic consequences. While we recognize ECOWAS’s reliance on diplomacy, it is imperative to use these tools to keep the region united.
“Additionally, as you work diplomatically to encourage these countries to reconsider their position, emergency plans for future economic cooperation should be prepared,” Steinmeier advised.
Tinubu’s Commitment to Diplomacy
In response, President Tinubu reaffirmed ECOWAS’s dedication to the welfare of citizens in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, emphasizing that wisdom and diplomacy would guide efforts to restore their participation in the bloc.
“Our mutual respect will shape our approach as we reassess the situation in these countries. While we reject unconstitutional governments, our focus remains on the innocent citizens who are bearing the brunt of military rule.
“We will continue to engage diplomatically to find solutions without punishing the people. Trade and free movement must continue even as we await a clear transition program from their leaders,” Tinubu said.
He further assured that ECOWAS would remain steadfast in promoting democracy and collaboration within the region.
“This is what ECOWAS stands for. Regardless of current challenges, we prioritize the well-being of the citizens and keep the door open for their eventual return to democracy and regional cooperation,” Tinubu added.
Background
Earlier this year, the military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, accusing the bloc of undermining its members under the influence of foreign powers.
The military regimes cited ECOWAS’s failure to address terrorism and insecurity and criticized the imposition of sanctions as “illegal, illegitimate, inhumane, and irresponsible.”
Military coups took place in Mali (2020, 2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023), prompting ECOWAS to suspend the three countries and impose economic sanctions on Niger and Mali.
