Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed concern over the security situation in the sub-region, following terrorist attacks on civilian and military targets in Burkina Faso and Mali.
The leaders expressed their worries at the ongoing 50th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Setting the tone, the Chairperson of ECOWAS and President of Liberia, Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, stressed the need for a holistic approach to the security challenges, in order to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and regional food shortage.
She stated her optimism that the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States would resolve the political crisis in Gambia before January 19, when the tenure of President Yahaya Jammeh is expected to expire.
Nigeria’s President and chief host, Muhammadu Buhari, advocated the need for the leaders to manage conflicts more effectively by paying greater attention to conflict prevention mechanisms in the sub-region.
Also, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for West Africa, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, condemned the terrorist attacks in the sub-region.
He also pledged the commitment of the United Nations to supporting a peaceful transfer of power in Gambia.
The meeting subsequently continued behind closed doors, to extensively discuss the political situation in Gambia and Guinea Bissau, in addition to addressing the security challenges bedeviling the sub-region.
During the visit, they discussed the ensuing impasse in the country with President Jammeh, and insisted on the sanctity of the electoral process as well as respect for the wishes of the people.
The leaders also met with the President-elect, Adama Barrow.
