President Tinubu Urges Suspension of Sanctions on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea

At the Extra-ordinary Summit of ECOWAS in Abuja on February 24, 2024, President Bola Tinubu, the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the organization, called for the suspension of economic sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea by ECOWAS.

President Tinubu emphasized that the sanctions were aimed at persuading the countries to pursue a better path that would lead to genuine improvement of their people’s welfare through democratic good governance.

He further stated that the sanctions have become a stumbling block and that what is hurtful yet ineffective serves no good purpose and should be abandoned.

ECOWAS was established for the objective of improving the lives of the people of this region through fraternal cooperation among all member states.

President Tinubu stressed that neither hatred nor hidden motive influenced the steps taken and that there was never any intention to douse or undermine the legitimate political aspirations of any member state or to advance the interests of any outside party.

In calling for the suspension of sanctions, President Tinubu highlighted the approach of the holy month of Ramadan and of Lent, emphasizing that this is a time for compassion, hope, and harmony.

He urged for a closer relationship with brother and neighbor, and for ECOWAS to facilitate the unfettered flow of foodstuffs, medicines, and other humanitarian items to the people of these nations, especially to the most vulnerable.

President Tinubu’s proposal not only seeks the breaking of the diplomatic logjam but also greater cooperation within the community.

He emphasized that modern challenges such as climate change, violent extremism, and illegal pilfering of natural resources require that we join together in progress or we fail separately.

As leaders of ECOWAS, President Tinubu believes that it is their duty to draft the history of the region and its people during their tenure in office, and to reach out to their brothers, letting them know that this regional home belongs to them all. He humbly beseeches his colleagues to do the same.

The President called on the leadership in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger to embrace the hand extended, and to work more earnestly together for the economic development of their people.