By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission President, Omar Alieu on Tuesday visited Nigeria’s president Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the closed doors meeting with Tinubu, Alieu revealed that ECOWAS leaders have reviewed the political and the security situation in the sub-region of West Africa and have marshalled out action plan to tackle them.
Said he: “Regarding the political situation in the sub region, the leaders have reviewed the transition in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. Regarding the transition in those three countries, the leaders have taken the decision to re-engage the three countries at the highest levels”.
According to him, the member at the Trica in the person of his Excellency the President of the Republic of Benin will undertake a mission to these three countries on behalf of the Heads of States, adding that mission will be undertaken shortly.
“The leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to expeditious transition to democracy in these countries.
“The transition must be in accordance with Ecowas protocols and in accordance with their individual transition chatters. Ecowas has resolved to support a credible and inclusive transition in each of these countries. With regards to security, the leaders have resolved to provide a robust response to any security threat in the region”, Alieu stated.
Speaking further he said the regional response shall include the operationalization of the ecowas plan of action, with the region’s own troop and region’s own financing.
The ECOWAS Commission boss however said “financing from other partners will be welcome. Secutiry response shall also include support to individual member states of the region.
“The response shall also include the use of specific arrangements such as specific models of peace and security. Adequate resources will be provided to the region’s response to peace and security. These are the resolutions and the commitments that the leaders have taken during the close door session”.
