President Tinubu also emphasized the promotion of democracy, good governance, and human rights, as well as the enhancement of private sector participation and economic integration within the region. He pledged to convene an Extraordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023 to showcase member states’ potentials and encourage business cooperation. The President called for the conclusion of ongoing institutional reforms and ensuring that the Community Levy positively impacts the citizens.
The outgone ECOWAS Chairman, President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, praised the leaders for their commitment to the organization’s vision despite economic challenges and troubled areas within the region. He commended Nigeria and Sierra Leone for successfully maintaining constitutional order through democratic processes in recent elections.
Key Hightlight:
- President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has been unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. His election signifies the trust and confidence placed in him by his counterparts in the region.
- President Tinubu highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address the escalating threats to peace and security in West Africa, particularly terrorism and the rising trend of military takeovers. He emphasized that insecurity and terrorism hinder the progress and development of the region, calling for the utilization of regional frameworks to tackle these challenges effectively.
- In his first participation at the summit, President Tinubu expressed humility and dedication to serving the interests of the community. He emphasized the importance of political stability, peace, and security, regional economic integration, and strengthening ECOWAS institutions. The President condemned the emergence of coups in West Africa and stressed the need for a firm defense of democracy, asserting that soldiers should not violate the freedom of the people they were meant to protect.
