55th ordinary summit of ECOWAS opens
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) – The 55th ordinary summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) opened in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Saturday with President Muhammadu Buhari saying that only the adoption of a common strategy can effectively tackle the security challenges in the sub-region.
The Nigerian President, who is the chairman of the ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, said at the opening of the meeting that taking into account the transnational nature of the threats confronting the sub-region, the need for the adoption of a common strategy at the national and regional level to combat them, has become imperative.
"By so doing, we will reinforce our actions and resources for a more effective response to protect our citizens and secure our common space," he said.
He acknowledged that several initiatives and measures have been taken in the respective countries, but recent developments have shown that they must cooperate more effectively to achieve their goals.
"We should send a strong and unified message to the perpetrators of violence that we are resolute in our collective determination to confront and defeat them.”
He stated that member States of the ECOWAS must remain focused in their collective endeavor in the areas of peace and stability so as to achieve the set goal of the organization.
President Buhari said that this had become because despite the overall appreciable progress made, particularly in the field of political governance, the sub-region had continued to face considerable security challenges.
“We are all witnesses to the recurring incidents of inter-communal clashes, herders-farmers conflicts, banditry and terrorist attacks in all our countries."
President Buhari said these threats have consequences on the peaceful co-existence between our communities and peoples, as well as their livelihoods.
This unrest also undermines all their efforts in achieving full regional integration, he said, adding that it is, therefore, necessary that they act collectively to end this menace in the interest of regional stability and wellbeing of the people.
President Buhari expressed the organisation’s sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims of terrorist attacks, banditry and inter-communal clashes.
He gave the assurance that the regional leaders would not relent in their efforts to protect the peace loving people and their properties, while vigorously sustaining the war against terrorism and criminality.
The Nigerian leader maintained that as the organisation continued to strive to create a secure, stable and prosperous environment in West Africa, member states must also intensify efforts to ensure sustainable economic and social development in the sub-region.
By doing so, the member states would be able to tackle poverty and youth unemployment and contribute to sustained stability in their respective countries.
“Considering the high level of interest you all attach to regional cooperation and integration, I am confident that our summit will witness robust discussions and produce sound decisions,” he added.
The President thanked the African Union, the United Nations and all bilateral and multilateral partners for their sustained cooperation and assistance.
In his remarks, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Brou, lamented that the sub-region is witnessing an upsurge in inter-communal clashes.
According to him, the terrorist attacks target religious groups, with the clear purpose of undermining social cohesion in the sub-region.
Noting the burden of funding created by the fight against growing insecurity, Mr Brou stated that this had reached levels which compromised national financial equilibrium and funding for social and economic development.
-0- PANA MON/MA 29June2019
