President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
By Olamilekan Abayomi
President Bola Tinubu has called for a united front among Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries to combat terrorism and unconstitutional takeovers in the region. Speaking at the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that no single country can achieve lasting stability alone, stressing that security, prosperity, and resilience are collective responsibilities.
Tinubu’s call for unity comes amid rising security threats in West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism, and unconstitutional changes of government. The ECOWAS leader cited recent developments in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin as examples of the region’s vulnerability to instability. He urged member states to work together to address these challenges, noting that ECOWAS is weakest when divided.
To combat terrorism, ECOWAS is advancing plans to operationalize its Standby Force, including a 1,650-person counter-terrorism brigade by the end of 2026. This initiative aims to enhance regional security cooperation and respond effectively to emerging threats. Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS, reaffirming the country’s dedication to the organization’s ideals and collective action in defense of regional stability .
The ECOWAS leader also emphasized the need for good governance, education, job creation, and community resilience to address the root causes of instability. He noted that the region’s security is intertwined, and instability in one member state threatens the entire region. Tinubu called for a holistic approach, combining security efforts with economic development and social progress.
ECOWAS has taken a firm stance against unconstitutional changes of government, condemning recent coups and attempted coups in the region. The organization has also imposed sanctions on countries that have experienced military takeovers, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Tinubu’s call for unity underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to defending democracy and promoting regional stability.
The ECOWAS summit has also focused on economic integration, with the launch of the ECOWAS Business Council, led by Nigerian industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote. This initiative aims to drive investment, promote economic growth, and enhance regional trade. By strengthening economic cooperation, ECOWAS aims to create a more resilient and prosperous West Africa.
