In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu has been elected as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the organization’s 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The decision, reached in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, marks a crucial milestone for the region.
President Tinubu, in his address at the meeting, stressed the importance of safeguarding the democratic culture in the sub-region, asserting that democracy is the optimal form of government despite its challenges. As the newly appointed chairman, Tinubu will play a vital role in leading ECOWAS member states toward economic progress, political stability, and cooperation. Collaboration with member states, regional institutions, and international partners will be pivotal in implementing initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, regional trade integration, and social development.
While the chairman’s position does not confer executive powers, it holds strategic significance in conflict resolution, advocacy, and liaison with the President of the ECOWAS Commission. The chairman’s responsibilities also include bolstering ECOWAS’ collective response to security threats and fostering closer cooperation among member states to address regional challenges effectively.
Addressing the alarming level of security threats, President Tinubu emphasized the need for urgent action and utilization of all available regional frameworks to combat insecurity. He mentioned ECOWAS’ security architecture, encompassing both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, along with the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 and the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force. The president pledged to harmonize these plans, mobilize resources, and encourage regional counterterrorism measures to ensure peace and development in the region.
Expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him, President Tinubu assured his commitment to providing necessary leadership and serving the interest of the community. He emphasized the significance of democracy, stating that governance, freedom, and the rule of law are intertwined with it. Tinubu underscored the need to prevent military coups and emphasized that ECOWAS should not stand idly as toothless bulldogs.
Leaders of member countries and ECOWAS congratulated Tinubu on his election as President of Nigeria during the opening ceremony of the event. The President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, commended Nigeria for its role in maintaining peace and strengthening democracy in the West African region. He stressed the importance of restoring democracy in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, emphasizing its positive impact on political stability, the rule of law, and the well-being of the people.
As the 63rd session of ECOWAS continues, the high level of attendance by heads of state demonstrates the significance attached to the event and the region’s collective commitment to addressing key challenges and pursuing regional integration and progress.