ECOWAS equipped to combat terrorism, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, said the Economic Community of West African States is fully equipped to combat terrorism and other forms of insecurity in the region.

He also said the bloc faces no challenge raising funds for the same purpose.

“Our community is fully equipped to combat this menace from our region. The matter of raising funds is not a challenge for us, and we have all the tools required,” Tinubu told journalists after a troika plus meeting at the Aso Rock Villa with Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, Umaro Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, Mohammed Bazoum of Niger Republic and President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray.

When asked about ECOWAS financial strategy for its anti-terrorism and security campaign, Tinubu, who also serves as chairman of the regional bloc, said, “We have complete confidence in our financial planning and engineering capabilities to secure the necessary resources to tackle terrorism and insecurity.”

The West African leaders also examined the political and security climate in the region during their meeting, particularly focusing on political transitions in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, as well as overarching security issues in the region.

On his part, the ECOWAS Commission President shared the resolutions from the meeting with journalists, revealing that President Talon of Benin was set to visit the three West African countries — Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea — soon, representing the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Touray said, “Regarding the political situation in the sub-region, the leaders have reviewed the transition in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Regarding the transition in those three countries, the leaders have taken the decision to re-engage the three countries at the highest level.

“A member of the Troika, in the person of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Benin, will undertake a mission to these three countries on behalf of the heads of state. That mission will be undertaken shortly.

“The leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to the expeditious transition to democracy in the three countries. The transition must be in accordance with ECOWAS protocols and in accordance with their individual transition charters.”