West African leaders have rejected moves to form alliances that seek to divide the region to promote foreign interests in the Sub-region.
In a Communique at the end of the 64th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja, the authority called on member states to ensure regional unity of action by strictly adhering to collective decisions.
The communique which was read by the President of the ECOWAS commission Dr Omar Aliou Touray, called for the unconditional release of President Mohammed Bazoum of Niger and his family by the military.
On funding, the authority instructed the commission to expedite the convening of the meeting of ministers of finance and defence, to agree on the modalities for the mobilization of internal financial human and material resources on a mandatory basis to support the deployment of the regional counterterrorism force.
On democracy and good governance, the authority directed the commission to undertake deep reflection with stakeholders on the relationship between electoral processes.
It also directed the commission to reactivate the ECOWAS standby force to deal with any threat to security in the region.
The ECOWAS leaders urged member states to increase funding for joint maritime operations and exercises in the region and to improve coordination and collaboration among various ministries, departments agencies responsible for maritime security in the political situation.
President Bola Tinubu reiterated the position of ECOWAS against the unconstitutional change of government in the sub-region and insist that the sub-region must stand against the undemocratic transfer of power.
President Tinubu expressed solidarity with the People and Government of Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau over the recent disturbances in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau
The President of the ECOWAS Commission Omar Alieu Touray told the gathering that the military authorities in the Niger Republic have unfortunately shown little remorse as they hold onto their positions.
The out-going president of Liberia, Mr Geroge Weah, was given a standing ovation for conceding defeat, at the just concluded polls.
Reporting by Hamza Alkali; editing by Hadiza Abdulrahman and Daniel Adejo
