African Union: Tinubu returns to Abuja from Ghana

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja’s presidential wing on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 10 pm after the African Union (AU) meeting held in Accra, Ghana,

Tinubu attended the 6th Mid-Year coordination meeting of the African Union.

During his two-day stay in Ghana, the President attended the meeting as chairman of authority for heads of state and government of the ECOWS.

He gave an update on development in the regional government.

At the meeting, Tinubu mentioned some of ECOWAS’ successes, as well as its challenges.

The Giant of Africa’s president highlighted ECOWAS’ strides in counterterrorism, electoral support, and economic integration.

Gains and losses

Progress in education, health, energy, and agriculture was also showcased.

Tinubu illustrated the need for the activation of a Standby Force to counter terrorism and support member states’ electoral processes.

He also highlighted efforts to unite the free trade area, customs union, and common market.

Mr. President noted that part of ECOWAS challenges includes multiple threats, ranging from geo-political rivalries, terrorism, and food insecurity.

He stressed ECOWAS’ commitment to negotiation with member states, preserving unity, and convening a Special Summit on the Community’s future.

Lastly, the President held a joint meeting with his Djiboutian colleague, Ismail Omar Guelleh.

They agreed to work together continuously to promote mutual interests.

About African Union

The African Union (AU) is a continental organization that consists of all 55 countries in Africa. It was established in 2002 to promote economic, political, and social integration among its member states. The AU aims to:

1. Promote peace, security, and stability in Africa.
2. Encourage economic development and integration.
3. Protect human rights and promote democratic governance.
4. Promote African cultures and identities.
5. Strengthen international cooperation and partnerships.

The AU has its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is led by a Chairperson who is elected by the Assembly of the African Union, which consists of the heads of state and government of all member states.

Some of the key initiatives and programs of the AU include:

1. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
2. The African Passport and Free Movement of Persons
3. The African Union Peace and Security Council
4. The African Union Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
5. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)

The AU plays a crucial role in promoting unity, cooperation and development in Africa.

It has been instrumental in shaping the continent’s political, economic, and social landscape.

ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries in West Africa.

ECOWAS is considered one of the pillar regional blocs of the continent-wide African Economic Community (AEC).

The goal of ECOWAS is to achieve “collective self-sufficiency” for its member states.

By creating a single large trade bloc by building a full economic and trading union.

Additionally, ECOWAS aims to raise living standards and promote economic development.

The union was established on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos.

Its stated mission was to promote economic integration across the region.

A revised version of the treaty was agreed upon and signed on 24 July 1993 in Cotonou, the largest city in Benin.

Principles of ECOWAS

ECOWAS’s fundamental principles rely on equity, interdependence, solidarity, cooperation, and nonaggression.

Regional peace, the promotion of human rights, and economic and social justice are some of its core principles.

Notably among ECOWAS’s protocols and plans are the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons, Residences and Establishment Protocol.

The Free Movement of Persons Protocol permits citizens the right to enter and reside in any member state’s territory.

The Ecotour Action Plan aims to develop and integrate the tourist industry of each member state.

ECOWAS also serves as a peacekeeping force in the region.

Its member states occasionally send joint military forces to intervene in the bloc’s member countries at times of political instability and unrest.

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