Tinubu Leads as ECOWAS Confronts Regional Crises at 66th Summit

By Achimi Muktar

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today presided over the 66th Ordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the State House, Abuja. The gathering of regional leaders comes at a critical time, with the bloc facing mounting challenges that threaten its unity and stability.

Key Agendas Amid Regional Tensions

The summit, which brings together leaders from 13 member states, focuses on deepening regional economic integration and addressing political instability. Chief among the pressing issues is the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS following military coups in those countries.

The leaders are expected to review existing sanctions imposed on the trio while seeking a balanced approach between punitive measures and diplomacy.

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of collective action in his opening remarks, stating, “Our shared commitment to democracy, stability, and economic growth demands urgent and unified solutions.”

Security and Governance Take Center Stage

The escalating terrorism in the Sahel region and political unrest across West Africa have placed a spotlight on the need for coordinated action. The summit will explore strategies to combat terrorism and secure democratic transitions in countries under military rule.

A critical point of discussion will be Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s mediation efforts between ECOWAS and the military regimes in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. President Faye is expected to present his findings and recommendations to the bloc’s leaders.

Economic Integration and the ECO

Beyond security concerns, the summit will address economic priorities, including the adoption of the ECO, ECOWAS’s proposed single currency. Leaders will review progress on the long-delayed project, which aims to bolster intra-regional trade and economic cooperation.

The push for economic integration reflects the bloc’s recognition of shared prosperity as a foundation for long-term stability. “Achieving a unified currency will be a milestone in West Africa’s journey toward economic self-reliance,” one participant noted.

Navigating Military Transitions

Another crucial agenda is the timeline for transitioning countries under military rule to civilian governance. ECOWAS leaders are keen on ensuring that these transitions are expedited without compromising the principles of democracy.

The Road Ahead for ECOWAS

The outcomes of this summit will have far-reaching implications for ECOWAS’s credibility and cohesion. As President Tinubu leads the discussions, the bloc faces a defining moment in its history—balancing immediate security and governance challenges with the long-term vision of a prosperous, stable, and integrated West Africa.

Participating countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Benin Republic, The Gambia, Cape Verde, Togo, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.

As the summit unfolds, all eyes remain on Abuja, where the decisions made could reshape the future of the region.