German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier says he is satisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the exit of the Republic of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Steinmeier, who is on a three-day state visit to Nigeria, spoke in Abuja on Wednesday when he was hosted by Tinubu in Aso Rock.
The German president also expressed delight about Tinubu’s leadership of ECOWAS.
In July, Mali, the Republic of Niger, and Burkina Faso announced that they had “irrevocably turned their backs” on ECOWAS.
The three countries exited the regional organisation after ECOWAS imposed sanctions on them following military coups that ousted their democratically elected governments.
Steinmeier said the reintegration of the countries will have a significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.
“I’m very happy, Mr. President, that you assumed chairmanship of ECOWAS, and you are making an effort to calm down the turbulences after Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso announced that they would leave the institution,” he said.
“That you try to contain the negative impacts of this, and you put in all your diplomatic efforts to stabilise regional cooperation and preserve regional cooperation, which is so important.”
“We in Germany are also members of a regional organization, the European Union, and we know about the importance of regional cooperation, not just for business and the economy, but also when it comes to preserving political stability.
“Thank you so much for your stability. Thank you for everything you’re doing for your country and regional cooperation here in West Africa.”
The German president, who is visiting Nigeria for the first time, said Tinubu’s reforms are being noticed in his country, calling for more collaborations between both nations.
“German business is seeing this as an improvement of investment relations, and it is perceived as such, and this is why we are happy that Nigeria is Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. But there is great potential, even greater potential,” he said.
“There are greater opportunities, and we want to tap into this potential in the coming years. So, I’m happy and grateful that we took a lot of time to engage with one another.
“We promised each other that we both, with our opportunities and the governments on both sides, will do everything in our power to promote political and cultural ties.”
President Tinubu gave assurances that he will apply wisdom in ensuring the return of the three junta nations to the regional bloc.
He added that the interest of the citizens remains a priority while exploring the various options available.
“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government,” Tinubu said.
“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.
“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the well-being of the citizens. I don’t want to personalize issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door open for collaboration.”
