Senegalese President Faye visits Nigeria’s President & ECOWAS chairman, Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, the ECOWAS chairman, on Thursday, May 16, 2024, received visiting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal in Abuja, Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a press release issued from Abuja State House by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

According to the statement, both leaders agreed to work together for the return of ECOWAS member states under military rule or threatening to quit the regional economic bloc.

They also discussed how West Africa should work in unison to defeat terrorism, human trafficking.

The meeting received attention of Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which are currently under military rule.

The last three having served notice of their intention to leave ECOWAS.

They further called for an alignment of purpose and structure in West Africa to effectively address the various challenges confronting the region.

Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu said West Africa must work together to defeat the hydra-headed problems of terrorism, banditry, human trafficking and poverty.

He advised that leaders in the region must make the people the point of convergence in governance.

Tinubu noted that the essence of democracy is lost when the people are not the focal point.

He emphasized that democratic governance, democratic values, and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected.

He also stated that critical institutions and precepts, like the judiciary and the rule of law, must be respected and observed for the sustenance of democracy.

“Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa.

“It is a joy to have you here; to meet the hope and aspiration of our youths. You fit in perfectly well.

“A critical time it is in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa.

“What you have embarked upon, a struggle couched in freedom, is remarkable,” Tinubu added.

The President described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations, recounting both countries’ long history of cooperation.

“We are brothers. We have shared interest in democracy.

“To make democracy sustainable in the interest of our people, we definitely must work hard.

“I am glad that you are a shining example of patience, perseverance, and commitment to democratic values.

“We must partner to make our people the focus of our democratic commitment.

“Your belief in the sovereignty of Africa is shared by all of us.

“But how can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting an unconstitutional takeover of government?

“As the Chairman of ECOWAS, I am inviting you to collaborate and meet those other brothers.

“To persuade them to come back to the fold. “We will continue to work together.

“We share good backgrounds, and we will continue to embrace and promote democratic governance.

“We must be able to partner and build the freedom we believe in – in economic growth, development, and other spheres of governance.

“It is left for us to provide assurance to our people and walk our talk.

“We must defeat human trafficking; we must defeat terrorism, banditry, and poverty in our society.

“That must be our focus and commitment,” Tinubu said.

In his remarks, President Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal’s shared values, ideals, and challenges.

He emphasized that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s.

“The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial to our countries,” he said.

The Senegalese President called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen bilateral relations across the areas of diplomacy, trade, and other spheres.

Speaking on ECOWAS, Faye said that the bloc is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally.

He admitted that the union is going through a rough patch but stressed that all hope is not lost.

“We can discuss with our brothers and convince them to come back into the fold.

“To come back and share our common democratic values and what we stand for,” Faye said.

“If we come together, with all these assets and advantages, I am convinced we can open a window of opportunity to discuss.

“United, we are stronger.”

The Senegalese noted that Africa, especially Western bloc, is faced with common challenges, such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and all other challenges.

He added that the leaders need to show resolve to confront these challenges so that the region can thrive economically and satisfy the wishes of the people.

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