Buhari Pledges Backing to Strengthen Democracy in ECOWAS Countries

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja that Nigeria will support and consolidate on democracy in West African countries. He disclosed this while playing host to President Roch Kabore of Burkina Faso, who was on a one-day official visit to Nigeria.

He said, “We are keeping tabs on situations in countries that have elections ahead. We know the countries that are calm and the ones where there have been unfortunate casualties. We will always support those who have elections ahead so that things can go smoothly.”

President Kabore, who chairs the Economic, Trade, and Liberalization Scheme of the ECOWAS, said he was in Nigeria to discuss crucial sub-regional issues with President Buhari.

These include among others the convening of a joint commission meeting between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, reported trade difficulties among Nigeria, Ghana, Republic of Benin, and Niger Republic, and the way forward.

Kabore commended President Buhari for what he called “strong leadership and support” displayed by the Nigerian leader in his capacity as Chairman of COVID-19 response in West Africa.

“I must also applaud your strong leadership against terrorism in the sub-region,” the Burkinabe leader said. He was optimistic of an amicable and speedy resolution of the stalemate in Mali, emphasizing: “We need cohesion all over West Africa.”