President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has chaired the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, hosted at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.
The meeting brought together leaders from 11 West African nations and marked Tinubu’s continued leadership as Chairman of the regional bloc, a role he first assumed in June 2023 and renewed for another year in June 2024.
The summit comes at a critical time for ECOWAS, with tensions heightened following Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s decision to withdraw from the bloc, effective January 2024. The three nations criticized ECOWAS for allegedly deviating from its founding principles and succumbing to external pressures, particularly in response to sanctions imposed after military coups in those countries.
In their withdrawal, these states formed the Alliance of Sahel States, focusing on mutual defense and support, distancing themselves from Western allies like France while seeking closer ties with Russia. Burkina Faso further solidified its exit by launching a new biometric passport in September 2024, omitting the ECOWAS emblem.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, these developments pose significant challenges to its unity and mission.
Tinubu Commends Ghana’s Democratic Example
In his opening remarks, Tinubu praised Ghana for its peaceful and exemplary democratic transition following the December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections. Former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious, defeating incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who graciously conceded defeat even before the official results were declared.
Tinubu hailed this act of political maturity and extended his congratulations to Ghana’s outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo, who attended the ECOWAS summit for the last time as head of state.
“Just a week ago, Ghana conducted successful elections that showcased its position as the second-largest democracy in our region. The peaceful concession by Vice President Bawumia and the NPP demonstrates political maturity and respect for the people’s will. This mirrors what happened in Nigeria in 2015 and exemplifies the democratic culture we must all strive to uphold,” Tinubu stated.
He urged ECOWAS leaders to learn from Ghana’s example, emphasizing the importance of peaceful transitions for national unity and regional stability.
Other Highlights
Tinubu also commended Senegal for its recent successful parliamentary elections and called on ECOWAS member states to collaborate in ensuring the safety and prosperity of their citizens. He stressed that improving the living standards of West Africans remains a collective responsibility.
Despite challenges, Tinubu highlighted progress made through ECOWAS policies aimed at fostering economic cooperation across the region.
The summit underscored the need for sustained dialogue and unity among member states as ECOWAS navigates a pivotal period in its history.
