Persistent political instability, threat to democracy in W/Africa – Tuggar
Foreign Minister of Nigeria and Chairman of the 51st Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC), Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has warned that democracy is under danger from the ongoing political unrest in West Africa.
This was said by Tuggar during Wednesday’s council meeting in Abuja, which was attended by ministers.
He emphasised the significance of the council gathering, saying that the recent military coups in Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone were signs of a danger to democracy.
Peace, stability, and prosperity in the African region are still threatened by the proliferation of weaponry, the persistence of terrorism, and violent extremism, according to the minister.
So, he begged ECOWAS members to get together and find answers to the present problem so that the continent might have lasting peace and security.
Peace, security, socioeconomic growth, and political stability in the West African subregion are our shared goals, and your presence here is a testament to that.
“As we gather here today, we are keenly conscious of the critical issues confronting our area and the necessity of united effort to confront them head-on,” he stated.
Tuggar pointed out that substantial efforts have been made to address the sub-region’s political and security issues in a way that would last. Among these efforts, he mentioned “the launch of the Joint Platform for Advancing Cyber Security in West Africa” to counter economic sabotage and safeguard the region’s vital infrastructure.
I am grateful for the assistance of member states in addressing the political problems in the sub-region and for our joint efforts to establish new avenues of communication and negotiation with the nations going through transition. This support is in the spirit of inclusivity.
“We will conquer these obstacles as a team,” he said. The minister stated that the gathering would provide nations the opportunity to deeply examine the existential concerns facing their towns and people as a whole, and to formulate plans to counter these new dangers.
By having these conversations, we can make sure that our collective response policies are well-thought-out and coordinated, and that they meet the objectives and goals of all member states.
“As we move forward with discussions, I encourage everyone to participate in productive discourse, welcoming different perspectives and creating an environment of cordial exchanges. We must make judgements based on the ideas of openness, inclusivity, and advancing democratic principles.
He expressed his belief that by working together with a shared goal and a steadfast commitment to peace and prosperity, the participants in this session may find a way to create an ECOWAS that is safer, more stable, and more prosperous for everyone in the community.
“Anything that gets in the way of our shared progress and collective vision can be overcome if we work together,” he continued.