President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS, has reaffirmed his commitment to the reintegration of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the regional bloc through diplomacy and wisdom.

President Tinubu gave this assurance while speaking during a State Visit of German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking with the German leader, Tinubu emphasized that the interest and welfare of citizens in the affected countries remain a priority for ECOWAS.

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President Tinubu highlighted the reluctance of the leadership in the three countries to provide transition programs with clear timelines.

However, he assured that ECOWAS would not tolerate unconstitutional governments but would maintain diplomacy to avoid punishing innocent citizens.

“We will continue to explore diplomatic channels without punishing innocent citizens.

“Free movement and trade will be upheld, and we remain committed to leaving the door open for the return of democracy,” Tinubu said.

German President Steinmeier lauded ECOWAS’s diplomatic approach and stressed the importance of regional cooperation for economic and security stability in West Africa.

He also called for emergency plans to facilitate future economic collaboration with the three nations.