Tinubu: We’ll handle return of Mali, Niger to ECOWAS with diplomacy

President Bola Tinubu says he will deploy wisdom and diplomacy in reintegrating Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS).

Tinubu, who is also the ECOWAS chairman, spoke when he hosted the visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the State House on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, said in a statement.

Receiving the German president, who is in Nigeria for a three-day state visit, Tinubu said the leadership of the three West African countries had been reluctant to bring out transition programmes to civilian rule with clear dates.

However, the Nigerian leader expressed optimism that diplomacy would make a difference.

“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government,” Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying.

“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.

“We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power.”

Tinubu told the German leader that the regional body would leave the door open for the return of democracy in the countries.

“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the well-being of the citizens. I don’t want to personalise issues as ECOWAS chairman. We will leave the door open for collaboration,’’ he added.

The German president said the reintegration of the three countries will have a significant impact on the economy and security of the region.

“We will talk about bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the president of the ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union,” Steinmeier said.

“For Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together. We understand why ECOWAS security members are insisting on diplomacy.

“It is not easy, but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together.”

Steinmeier urged Tinubu to have “emergency plans” in place for future economic cooperation while the reintegration of the three countries stalls.

“While you are using diplomatic means to bring Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to rethink their position, you should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation,’’ the German leader said.