According to Vanguard, President Bola Tinubu has asserted that Nigeria is open to dialogue with Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic, despite recent coups in these countries and their subsequent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Addressing African leaders at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tinubu emphasized that disagreements over unconstitutional changes of government should not lead to a permanent rupture in regional affinity and cooperation.
During his address, President Tinubu stated that his administration is committed to engaging the AU Commission in collaboration with member states to ensure the African Central Bank becomes operational as scheduled in 2028. He also disclosed Nigeria’s readiness to host the bank, aligning with the vision outlined in the Abuja Treaty.
As the AU condemned conflicts that have hindered Africa’s growth, particularly terrorism impacting some states and diverting resources toward exorbitant military spending at the expense of crucial social sectors, President Tinubu emphasized the need for Africa’s success in addressing challenges to be built on firm resolutions and deep-rooted solidarity.
Tinubu highlighted external challenges like climate change and unfair global trade patterns, stating that some pitfalls, including coup-induced autocracies and constitutional tenure manipulations, are issues Africans are causing for themselves. Regarding military takeovers in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and their departure from ECOWAS, Tinubu underscored the importance of maintaining regional affinity and cooperation despite disagreements over unconstitutional changes of government