President Bola Tinubu has pledged to use diplomacy to restore democracy in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, following military coups in the three West African nations.
Tinubu, who chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), made the remarks Wednesday during a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Abuja. ECOWAS, a regional union of 15 West African countries, promotes economic integration, cooperation, and democracy.
“We will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government,” Tinubu said. “We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.” He reassured Steinmeier that ECOWAS remains committed to free trade and movement, while pushing for clear transition plans to civilian rule in the affected countries.
Steinmeier praised ECOWAS’s efforts, noting the security and economic risks posed by the current situation. “For Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together,” he said, urging Tinubu to sustain diplomatic pressure and prepare for future regional cooperation.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
