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The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers, Mr Timothy Kabba, has called for zero-threat tolerance towards undemocratic change of government among the member states.
Kabba, who is also Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, made this statement during the opening ceremony of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on Wednesday in Abuja.
Kabba said the two-day meeting underscored the gravity of the political and security crises confronting the region, warning that West Africa “is not an exclusion from the vibrations that emanate from the contestation of the powers of the world in a rather multipolar world.”
He added, “We must remain united, vigilant, and decisive in upholding a zero-threat stance of ECOWAS against unconstitutional changes of government.
“Our commitment must translate into timely reactions, measured responses, and strengthening preventive mechanisms.
“Our objective is not to isolate the state, but to foster a credible, inclusive, and time-bound return to democratic governance. “
Kabba also dismissed claims that ECOWAS focuses excessively on political and security crises at the expense of development.
“Without peace, security and stability, there will be no development. This is the reason why ECOWAS places a premium on community peace, security and stability.”
The President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, also present at the meeting, said Nigeria’s rapid deployment of support forces was instrumental in preventing the overthrow of the Benin Republic’s President, Patrice Talon.
Touray said the development reflects the seriousness of the political risk facing the region.
“Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of deep introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community”.
He further disclosed that ECOWAS had appointed Alhaji Aliko Dangote as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Business Council, due to his vast experience in business within the sub-region and across Africa, to strengthen intra-regional trade and investment.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, also urged the ministers to come up with recommendations to be submitted to the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“We must remain steadfast in defending constitutional order, promoting inclusive political dialogue, and supporting credible transitions that reinforce stability.
“Our region’s future depends on deepening intra-regional trade, strengthening value chains, facilitating investments, and creating opportunities for the over 400 million people, especially young people of 25 years and below, who constitute about 65 per cent of the population.”
