Nigeria urges ECOWAS to intensify regional cooperation to counter terrorism and other transnational crimes, while continuing dialogue with Sahel countries including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The call comes from Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who delivers the position during the 56th Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Nigeria also calls for member states to meet ECOWAS financing obligations, urging timely payment of the ECOWAS Community Levy, which Nigeria describes as essential to the bloc’s operations. On security, Nigeria says ECOWAS should adopt a stronger collective response to threats such as terrorism, piracy, banditry and organized crime. The minister points to Nigeria’s recent efforts—citing intensified military operations and improved coordination among security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies—as contributing to rescues of kidnapped people, arrests of suspects and improved maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. On governance, Nigeria emphasizes preparations for the 2027 general elections and invites monitoring by ECOWAS and international observers. The minister also addresses Afrophobic violence in South Africa, urging ECOWAS to issue an appropriate statement for submission to the African Union, and calls for continued engagement beyond the Sahel, including with Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria urges ECOWAS to strengthen unity against terrorism and re-engage Sahel states
Nigeria urges ECOWAS to intensify regional cooperation to counter terrorism and other transnational crimes, while continuing dialogue with Sahel countries including Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The c...
- Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister calls on ECOWAS to strengthen regional cooperation against terrorism and transnational crimes.
- Nigeria urges continued dialogue/engagement with Sahel states Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
- Nigeria calls for ECOWAS member states to pay the ECOWAS Community Levy to support the bloc’s operations.
- Nigeria cites improved security outcomes, including rescues, arrests, and better maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
- Nigeria highlights 2027 election preparations and invites ECOWAS and international monitoring.
Nigeria has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to bolster regional cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational crimes, while maintaining dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to tackle shared security and governance issues. The appeal was delivered by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during the 56th Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level, held on Wednesday in Freetown, Sierra Leone. In a statement released on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Enikanolaiye emphasized Nigeria’s ongoing leadership in advancing peace, security, and democratic governance throughout West Africa. On financial matters, the minister urged all member states to fulfill their obligations by promptly paying the ECOWAS Community Levy, which he described as the critical “motherload” for the organization’s effective operations. He highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to meeting its contributions despite domestic economic pressures. Regarding regional security, Enikanolaiye stressed the importance of a more robust, collective ECOWAS response to rising threats including terrorism, piracy, banditry, and organized crime. He advocated for member states to confront these challenges “from a position of strength and crushing lethality.” The minister pointed to Nigeria’s recent successes through intensified military operations and better coordination among security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. These efforts, he said, have resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrests of suspects, and enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. On governance and democracy, Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to credible elections. He noted that preparations for the 2027 general elections are already in progress and invited ECOWAS members and international observers to monitor the process, stating that Nigeria has “nothing to hide.” He also cited the country’s unbroken record of democratic transitions since 1999. The minister additionally condemned the surge in Afrophobic violence in South Africa targeting other African nationals, calling the attacks “most despicable.” He reminded the council of Nigeria’s historical support for the anti-apartheid struggle and urged ECOWAS to issue a strong statement on the matter for submission to the African Union. Finally, Enikanolaiye advocated for continued engagement with the Alliance of Sahelian States (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger), as well as Guinea-Bissau. He called for innovative strategies to foster dialogue and inclusive approaches aimed at strengthening democracy, peace, stability, and development across the region amid evolving geopolitical realities. This position reflects Nigeria’s push for regional solidarity in addressing pressing security threats while bridging divides with the Sahel states.
6 hours agoNigeria calls on ECOWAS to strengthen regional cooperation against terrorism and transnational crimes, advocating dialogue with Sahel States. Read More: https://punchng.com/nigeria-urges-ecowas-to-unite-against-terrorism-engage-sahel-states/
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