Tuggar advocates increased ‘Organic’ Solutions to resolve challenges in Africa
Oru Leonard
At the Annual Foreign Policy lecture organised by the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN), the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has urged region in Africa to look inwards for adaptable solutions to suite the peculiarities of the different states
He pledged the country’s unwavering leadership in promoting democracy and economic integration across West Africa, amid a surge in unconstitutional changes of government in the region. He further said that Nigeria, as the region’s largest economy, will continue to play a central role in stabilising and strengthening ECOWAS.
“While various efforts are ongoing to explore avenues for easing tensions with the breakaway states, we will continue to prioritise deepening economic integration, enhancing security and reinforcing democracy in West Africa and the Sahel for the benefit of the Community of peoples,” he noted.
In his keynote presentation, the President of the Economic Community of West African States Commission, Omar Touray, advocated for reforms to check coups and urged for stronger democratic institutions in the region.
He noted that recent military coups have exposed the fragility of West Africa’s political systems.
Touray’s keynote address, titled “Consolidating Democracy and Integration in ECOWAS: The Journey So Far,” also highlighted both the progress made and the significant challenges still facing the region, particularly the resurgence of military coups.
To safeguard democracy in the region, Touray outlined five key priorities for ECOWAS – “strengthening regional and national institutions, ensuring more open political spaces, reinforcing the independence of the judiciary, establishing robust anti-corruption frameworks, and promoting a responsible press and social media.”
“The future of democracy in West Africa lies in building stronger institutions and creating an inclusive political environment where citizens feel empowered,” he said.
The ARCAN’s President, Ambassador Joe Keshi, called for a renewed focus on the future of the ECOWAS as the regional bloc faces significant challenges.
Keshi added, “ECOWAS has committed itself to the maintenance of peace and stability, while at the same time trying to achieve its main objective of economic cooperation and integration of the states of the West African and South African region.”
The Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali severed relations with the 15-member bloc after ECOWAS imposed sanctions on them in the wake of military takeovers.
Although the organisation only issued a suspension, it has demanded that the countries return to constitutional order before sanctions are lifted.
However, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have all denounced any plans to reintegrate, accusing ECOWAS of betraying the pan-African ideals for which it was founded.
President Bola Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, has been actively trying to persuade the three countries to reconsider their exit, emphasising that the organisation remains open to maintaining friendly relations.
About ARCAN
TThe Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN), is a registered Non-Profit Organization, and is made up of over 300 members who in the course of their career as diplomats, have served their fatherland in various capacities both in Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad as Heads of Missions and at headquarters at directorate levels.
In retirement, they have not only continued to show interest in global affairs and development but have had the pleasure to provide advice to the Nigerian government in an effort to help advance Nigeria’s foreign policy and development. Successive Nigerian governments have, over time, come to appreciate the advice and contributions of ARCAN to the formulation and implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
