“It is now clear that those seeking to quit the Community do not share that same good faith. “Instead, unelected leaders engage in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders”
ECOWAS
Nigeria has disclosed why it is concerned over the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
A statement by spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli on Monday in Abuja, said Nigeria stands with ECOWAS to emphasize due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States.
According to Nigeria, for half a century, ECOWAS had worked to promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region, as well as reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced, the statement read.
“It is now clear that those seeking to quit the Community do not share that same good faith.
“Instead, unelected leaders engage in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders.”
According to the statement, Nigeria remains open for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces.
Nigeria further appeals to the International Community to continue to extend its support for ECOWAS and the vision of closer partnership, co-operation and integration.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic on January 28 announced that they had quit their membership of ECOWAS.
The three countries, which are currently under military rule, said they ceased to be members of ECOWAS as the regional body had allegedly “moved away from the ideals of its founding fathers and pan-Africanism”.
