According to the Nigerian government, the West African region is witnessing a concerning rise in military coups. This troubling trend poses a significant danger to the democratic values that the region has been striving to uphold. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Mediation and Security Council raised this issue during his speech at the 51st Ordinary Session of Mediation and Security Council. The Security Council functions as an integral component within the structure of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In addition, the envoy urged the Council members to unite in their commitment to finding effective solutions, as exemplified by the recently failed coup attempts in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau. It is essential for them to collaborate and take responsibility for tackling the present obstacles in order to establish enduring peace and stability in this region. The envoy expressed admiration for the determined endeavours of both governments in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, as they successfully prevented any disruptions to their constitutional balance.
Participants’ existential issues and the betterment of its members.
During this meeting, participants have a chance to thoroughly explore the existential issues they face together and also come up with plans to address these new challenges for the betterment of the community members. Through these conversations, they have the power to shape policies that will contribute to a coordinated and comprehensive response. This response will be in line with the desires and goals of their Member States. As the discussions continue, progress will be made.
He stressed the importance of active participation in meaningful discussions, encouraging an open-minded acceptance of different viewpoints to create a welcoming environment for interaction and support. The direction in which they steer their choices should be influenced by a commitment to honesty, incorporating all voices, as well as advancing the ideals of a democratic society, he remarked. Tuggar also commended Liberia’s government and its citizens for successfully carrying out the most recent Presidential and legislative elections.
Peace of each region is an essential tool for advancement.
Furthermore, the Ambassador commended the nation’s unwavering dedication to democratic values as well as its beliefs, considering the elections as a remarkable demonstration of this commitment. The tireless devotion of the ECOWAS Commissions leadership, alongside the Heads of ECOWAS Institutions, was hailed by the Minister. Equally worthy of praise were the committed employees, whose relentless contributions have been instrumental in promoting the community’s welfare and cultivating a climate of peace and security across the entire region.
Many people believe that ECOWAS has played a significant role in promoting economic growth and collaboration in diverse regions. However, when it comes to tackling issues related to democracy and governance, it has not been successful. Economic sanctions, particularly those imposed by countries facing their own economic issues and priorities, lack the necessary influence to dissuade a leader who is determined to take power for non-economic motives. Moreover, deterrence can only be effective when measures are consistently and predictably implemented.
Consensus remains an elusive objective within ECOWAS.
Lastly, ECOWAS, having witnessed immense insecurity and volatility, has dispatched a peacekeeping force on seven separate occasions since its inception. Despite the recent wave of coups, ECOWAS has not deployed any security or peacekeeping forces since 2017, when it intervened in Gambia, successfully concluding the coup without resorting to violence. Consensus remains an elusive objective within ECOWAS, just as it does in numerous other multilateral institutions. Particularly challenging is the task of reaching an agreement on matters pertaining to sanctions and military intervention that transcend state borders.
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