President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is committed to upholding good governance and combating terrorism.
He stated this in Beijing, China while addressing a high-level meeting on peace and security at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“ECOWAS remains deeply committed to upholding good governance, combating terrorism, providing humanitarian aid, and engaging in intensive peacekeeping, diplomacy, and mediation,” a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted Tinubu as saying.
“Nigeria’s approach to fostering peace and stability in West Africa is comprehensive, combining military intervention, diplomatic engagement, dialogue, negotiations, and mutually beneficial economic collaboration.
“Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding has solidified its position as a cornerstone of regional stability. We will continue to strengthen our efforts to support a more secure and prosperous West Africa. I assure you.”
President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and security across West Africa.
He also commended China’s contributions to Africa’s development through initiatives like the Belt and Road and FOCAC.
Tinubu highlighted the importance of confronting the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice, emphasizing that true peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equity, economic opportunity, and human security.
“Nigeria has played a pivotal role in ECOWAS evolution. Throughout the bloc’s transition from an economic bloc to an integrated regional security architecture for West Africa, Nigeria has been there at the forefront.
“Nigeria’s leadership has been critical in developing mechanisms for conflict resolution and management,” he added.
