ECOWAS Demands Zero Tolerance for Coups, Unity Against Insecurity

By Angel Ike

The Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the Sierra-Leone Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Musa Kabba has called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle worsening insecurity and the resurgence of coups in West Africa.

Kabba also called for zero-threat tolerance against unconstitutional change of government in the ECOWAS region

He made the call at the opening of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, Nigeria.

He said this is against backdrop of the recent military incursions, humanitarian crises, terrorism, violent extremism to illicit trafficking and emergency declarations in several member states

Kabba said, “We must remain united, vigilant, and decisive in upholding a zero-threat stance of ECOWAS against unconstitutional changes of government.

Our commitment must translate into timely reactions, measured responses, and strengthening preventive mechanisms.

“We will continue to be committed to constructive engagement with Member States that are presently in transition.

“Our objective is not to isolate the state, but to foster a credible, inclusive, and time-bound return to democratic governance.

“We will speak with a unified voice, guided by our protocol on democracy and good governance, to ensure the swift restoration of constitutional order and the preservation of our regional principles without compromise.”

He emphasised the need for coordinated diplomacy, political dialogue, military cooperation and development assistance to address the root causes of insecurity and build long-term resilience across member states.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, highlighted major steps toward deepening economic integration in the region..

He disclosed that ECOWAS had appointed Alhaji Aliko Dangote, its Pioneer Chairperson of the ECOWAS Business Council, in view of his vast experience in business within the sub-region and across Africa, to promote intra-regional trade and investment.

Nigeria Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, urged the commission to remain steadfast in defending constitutional order, promoting inclusive political dialogue, and supporting credible transitions that reinforce stability in the region

She urged the Ministers to come up with decisions that will help shape the recommendations to be submitted to the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“Our region’s future depends on deepening intra-regional trade, strengthening value chains, facilitating investments, and creating opportunities for the over 400 million people, especially young people of 25 years and below who constitute about 65 percent of the population.

“They no doubt rely on ECOWAS to chart a path toward progress, your deliberations over the course of this 95th Ordinary Session are, therefore, of utmost importance.” She said.