The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations recently held discussions with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa regarding the restoration of constitutional order in several West African nations affected by military coups. Amina Mohammed emphasized the need for a return to democracy in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, which have all seen their civilian governments replaced by military rule over the past few years.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has implemented economic sanctions targeting Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Guinea in response to these developments, although some sanctions were eased earlier this year. A significant moment transpired on July 6, when leaders from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali formalized a confederation agreement aimed at strengthening their mutual defense pact.
Following her meeting with the President, Mohammed highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue as he leads ECOWAS. She noted the necessity of evaluating challenges and fostering economic development to ensure that citizens do not face undue hardship during this transition.
Mohammed clarified that the United Nations does not negotiate on behalf of ECOWAS but is committed to supporting the organization’s leadership. She reiterated that the UN’s message to these nations involves addressing the constitutional crises and emphasizing the importance of returning to democratic governance alongside tackling pressing issues such as terrorism, food security, and energy.
To foster regional integration, she mentioned the collaborative efforts planned by ECOWAS, including proposals to engage leaders from Senegal and Togo in continuing dialogue. Despite the challenges, the nations involved seek to prioritize security and pursue investments for developmental goals, particularly focusing on job creation and food security for their youth.
