Group: FG’s diplomatic efforts in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger commendable

A group known as the Muryar Talaka Awareness Initiative has commended the federal government over its diplomatic efforts in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

In a statement released on Monday, the organisation hailed President Bola Tinubu for “leading high-level diplomatic efforts” under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to engage with the military juntas in the West African countries.

In December 2024, Alieu Touray, president of the ECOWAS commission, said Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic notified the bloc of their intentions to withdraw from the regional organisation.

The group said Tinubu facilitated the unconditional removal of ECOWAS sanctions on Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso and persuaded their leaders to develop a timetable for restoring constitutional rule.

The organisation said Nigeria has reaped the benefits of democracy since 1999, including advancements in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and human empowerment.

“That democracy remains the best form of government as it allows citizens the freedom to vote for the leaders of their choice and have representatives at various levels of government to voice their plights and make laws that will improve their welfare and well-being,” the statement reads.

“Through democracy, Nigerians have enjoyed basic rights and privileges recognized by the constitution, which include the right to life, the right to freedom of expression and the press, the right to vote and be voted for, the right to access justice, and many other rights and privileges that may be taken for granted but are still enjoyed by Nigerians in all parts of the country.

“From 1999 to date, Nigerians have enjoyed dividends of democracy in all sectors of the country’s economy, which include the provision of healthcare, education, road infrastructure, human empowerment, enhanced agricultural practices, and other benefits too numerous to mention.

“It is clear that some Nigerians have forgotten the struggles and suffering to which citizens were exposed during the various military regimes that ruled the country following military coups. Citizens were denied the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and many others were jailed without being given a fair hearing or access to legal counsel. Many others were killed extrajudicially without regard for their human rights.

“We, therefore, commend the Nigerian government and ECOWAS for their diplomatic efforts towards Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

“President Tinubu has sent several high-level delegations that included a former head of state, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to engage the military junta in talks.

“We also commend President Tinubu for the unconditional removal of ECOWAS sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso and for persuading them to come up with a timetable for the restoration of constitutional rule while efforts are on to negotiate for the release of ousted President Bazoum in Niger.

“Similarly, we laud the efforts of the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry under the leadership of Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, which continues to diplomatically engage the governments of Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso towards restoring civil rule in these countries.”

The statement was signed by Zaidu Sabuwa, the group’s president, and Bishir Unguwa, its secretary.