ECOWAS open to return of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu said on Friday that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would continue to persuade the military leaders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to return their countries to its fold.

Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, reiterated this position at a meeting with the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja.

Defense chiefs at a meeting in Abuja reiterated their commitment to returning the three countries to ECOWAS.

They left the regional bloc last year in protest at West African leaders’ handling of a military coup in Niger Republic.

Tinubu said: “It is in our hearts to ensure that security is enhanced and constitutional governance is maintained and promoted in our region.

READ ALSO: West African defence chief pushes for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to return to ECOWAS

“This term is full of challenges for me because three members have announced their resignation. We will try hard to persuade them to return, whatever the means.

“No one is smarter than the group of people here. We will do whatever it takes to offer them friendly assistance and give them a reason to come back to us.”

ECOWAS chief commends defence chiefs for their commitment to regional stability and protection of constitutional governance.

“The solution to terrorism and other challenges is in our hands. We must do it together.

“The ECOWAS standby force must be ready. We will continue to invest in this, and in prosperity and economic opportunity across our region,” he added.

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