Tinubu said insecurity and terrorism hampering development in the West African region
He also lamented prevalence of coup and disregard for democracy
He promised to do all he can to ensure lasting peace in the region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said all plans aimed at putting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its rightful place will actualised.
This is as he bemoaned the prevalence of coup in the West Africa sub-region and implored the leaders of the region to check the disturbing trends of coups d’état and threats to democracy.
Tinubu also asserted that deepening security crisis and perennial terrorism are impeding the progress and development of the West African region.
The President’s assertion was contained in a statement issued by Dele Alake, the presidential spokesman, on Sunday after his (Tinubu) emergence as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the ongoing 63rd Ordinary session in Guinea Bissau.
He noted that the threat to peace in the region had reached dizzying height with terrorism and an emerging pattern of military takeover that now demanded urgent and concerted actions.
Tinubu emphasised the need to embrace kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy, to end regional insecurity.
He pledged to harmonise all strategies and resources towards actualizing lasting peace in the region.
“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level and needs urgent actions to address the challenges. Indeed, the region’s progress and development will remain elusive without a peaceful environment. In this regard, we must remain committed to utilising all regional frameworks to address the menace of insecurity.
“There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight Against Terrorism 2020–2024 and the operationalization of the ECOWAS standby force on fight against terrorism.
“I will ensure that we harmonise these plans and mobilise resources and the political will towards actualizing the initiatives. As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure,” he stated