Testy Gossip News reports that President Bola Tinubu has raised alarm over the growing trend of unconstitutional power changes in West Africa, describing them as a significant threat to the region’s democratic gains and long-term stability.
Speaking through Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, at the official launch of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Golden Jubilee celebration in Accra, Tinubu emphasized the urgent need to safeguard democratic principles in the region.
“These changes threaten the democratic gains the region has painstakingly built,” the president said, calling for a recommitment to foundational values like democracy, rule of law, good governance, and regional solidarity. “These are not just ideals; they are the foundations for peace, development, and the dignity of our people.”
Since 2020, West and Central Africa have seen a wave of military coups, with nine recorded attempts between August 2020 and August 2024. Four of those were successful in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.
ECOWAS, in response, condemned the coups, suspended the offending nations, and imposed targeted sanctions. However, tensions escalated, ultimately prompting Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to exit the bloc and form a new alliance—the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The breakaway nations accused ECOWAS of failing to support their counterterrorism efforts and imposing sanctions that hurt their citizens. They have so far rejected calls to reconsider their withdrawal.
Despite the fractures, Tinubu called for dialogue and reconciliation during his remarks at the ECOWAS jubilee event, which marked 50 years since the bloc’s establishment in 1975.
“It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region,” he said. “In hopes of reconciliation and reintegration, we must remain open and willing to engage in sustained, constructive dialogue with our estranged brothers.”
President Tinubu also stressed the need for comprehensive institutional reforms to make ECOWAS more responsive and credible in the face of evolving regional challenges.
“There is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions’ effectiveness, relevance, and credibility,” he said.
The call comes at a critical moment for the regional bloc, as it navigates its golden jubilee amid shifting political dynamics and growing security concerns across West Africa.
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