The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa on Friday to discuss the restoration of constitutional rule in West African nations that recently experienced military coups, including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
Military forces overthrew the civilian governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in May 2021, September 2022, and July 2023, respectively. Guinea also succumbed to military control in September 2021. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responded by imposing economic sanctions on these nations, some of which were relaxed in February 2024.
On July 6, leaders from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali signed a confederation treaty to bolster their mutual defense pact, the Alliance of Sahel States, originally announced last September.
During her discussion with President Tinubu, Mohammed stressed the necessity of reinstating constitutional rule and explored strategies for economic development to alleviate citizens’ hardships. She clarified the UN’s role in supporting ECOWAS’ leadership without negotiating on its behalf.
“We are urging these countries to address their unconstitutional changes and return to a democratic transition,” said Mohammed. “At the same time, they must focus on development issues such as jobs, food security, and energy.”
She expressed confidence that a well-defined roadmap toward democratic governance would attract international support. ECOWAS has proposed ongoing dialogue and engagement, led by President Faye of Senegal and President Faure of Togo.
