The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has endorsed Nigeria’s leadership role in regional interventions aimed at halting unconstitutional takeovers and safeguarding democratic governance across the sub-region.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, said the endorsement reflects the confidence of member states in Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, security and strict adherence to ECOWAS principles.
He explained that the support followed deliberations at the 68th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS, which he described as largely successful in addressing lingering challenges confronting the bloc, including political instability, democratic governance and trade-related concerns.
According to Oshodi, discussions at the session were dominated by the political situation in Guinea-Bissau, where a military takeover prompted the ECOWAS Authority to issue a communiqué threatening targeted sanctions against the regime.
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“The ECOWAS 68th Session was a success. The Community readdressed lingering issues around instability, democracy and trade.
“The Guinea-Bissau military takeover dominated discussions, and the ECOWAS Authority issued a communiqué threatening targeted sanctions to put pressure on the regime. This is the rightful outcome for a breach of ECOWAS protocols on democracy. Nigeria has backed this position as it continues its leadership role in the Community.
“The ECOWAS authorities fully endorsed Nigeria’s role in leading the intervention, halting the takeover in the Republic of Benin. This showed that Nigeria’s interest and commitment to regional security, democracy and the tenets of ECOWAS are respected and adhered to by fellow partner countries.”
He said the threat of sanctions represents a rightful response to the breach of ECOWAS democratic protocols, noting that Nigeria has strongly backed the decision as part of its continued leadership role within the Community.
Oshodi reaffirmed that Nigeria remains resolute in promoting democracy, regional stability and collective security, adding that the country will continue to work with partner states to ensure that ECOWAS norms and values are respected by all member nations.