Africa’s biggest economy and most populous nation on the continent-Nigeria-has once again extended an olive branch to the juntas of the three West African countries who announced they were pulling their countries from the sub-region group. ECOWAS, on Sunday.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had said it has not been officially notified of their exit, insisting that it was open for negotiation.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has expressed its sadness over the pronouncement by the Military authority in the Republic of Niger indicating that the Republics of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have withdrawn membership of their countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
A statement signed by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Francisca K. Omayuli (Mrs) said: “For half a century, ECOWAS has worked to promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region. Nigeria stands with ECOWAS to emphasise due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States.”
The statement said, “Nigeria has worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced. It is now clear that those seeking to quit the Community do not share that same good faith. Instead, unelected leaders engage in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders.”
Nigeria remains open for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces. Nigeria further appeals to the International Community to continue to extend its support for ECOWAS and the vision of closer partnership, co-operation and integration.
Concerned about the development, former Vice President, Atiku had in a short message posted on X on Sunday, described the situation as a “serious diplomatic meltdown,” saying Nigeria must now double its efforts to protect its security interests.
“Reports about the withdrawal of three countries from our sub-regional body, @ecowas_cedeao, is concerning. It is a matter of serious diplomatic meltdown. We must keep the country’s national security interest, especially the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and others in focus while we appraise the situation,” he said.
