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Former Army Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), on Thursday urged the African Union (AU) to facilitate the return of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The former military chief made the call at the 2026 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum with the theme: “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” held in Abuja.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger officially left ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, after they raised concerns over access to justice for victims of serious human rights violations in those countries.
Buratai said AU mediation was necessary to restore unity and strengthen regional cooperation in West Africa.
“As things stand now, we cannot say that ECOWAS is united unless the three states are reunited.
“We all have the same umbilical cord, and civilly, we are already in what you might call an incubator or an intensive care unit. But in general, I am confident that diplomacy will be successful,” he said.
Buratai, former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, stressed that diplomacy remains the most appropriate option to resolve the current regional impasse.
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He also urged the League of African Ambassadors to work hard to ensure the return of the three countries to ECOWAS.
“Nigeria has sacrificed and invested in blood, treasure and diplomacy to defend democracy. Our stability cannot be separated from the security of our neighboring countries.
“The African Union has consistently recognized this interdependence, working together with ECOWAS to build a peaceful and integrated West Africa.
“And of course, without a voice, all these policies and aspirations will not have the desired impact,” he added.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, urged media organizations to uphold professionalism and balance in reporting on anti-corruption activities.
Olukoyede said responsible journalism was crucial in strengthening public trust in anti-corruption efforts.
He recalled a case investigated by the commission in which a Nigerian took about $35 million in cash meant for the establishment of a modular refinery from the state treasury.
