We’re Open For Engagement With Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger – FG

Federal government has expressed concern over the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic to quit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following protracted disagreements over military takeover in the three countries.

In a statement issued yesterday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, she said Nigeria has reached out to all countries within the regional bloc to address pressing issues within the community.

Omayuli said, “Nigeria expresses its sadness over the pronouncement by the military authorities in the Republic of Niger indicating that the Republics of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have withdrawn the membership of their countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“For half a century, ECOWAS has worked to promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region. Nigeria stands with ECOWAS to emphasise due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of member states.

“Nigeria has worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced. It is now clear that those seeking to quit the community do not share that same good faith. Instead, unelected leaders engage in a public posturing to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders.”

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The statement added that Nigeria remains open for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces.

“Nigeria further appeals to the international community to continue to extend its support for ECOWAS and the vision of closer partnership, co-operation and integration,” the statement added.