One or two of the three West African nations that recently withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are making efforts to reconnect with the regional bloc, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has claimed.

Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Dare explained that these countries are attempting to take advantage of the six-month window provided by ECOWAS to reconsider their decision before the official exit process is concluded.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the three military junta-led West African nations, which finally left ECOWAS membership at the expiration of six- month window permitted by the regional body to reconsider their position on their plan to withdraw membership, left on account of their refusal to return to democratic ways.

?We know that the January 29 deadline has expired, and the process of their departure is almost concluded. But we also know for a fact that one or two of these countries are trying to reach back and take advantage of the six-month window,? he said.

Dare emphasised that the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, presents a strategic opportunity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, to engage in high-level discussions on the matter.

?At the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, the Chairman of ECOWAS will have an opportunity to brief the continental body, and of course, some of these countries will also be there. So, there will be a lot of high-level and bilateral meetings,? he noted.

Beyond ECOWAS affairs, Dare underscored the significance of President Tinubu?s presence at the 46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.

He described Nigeria as a key player in the AU, with President Tinubu wielding substantial influence in shaping continental policies.

?The AU is the foremost continental body, and Nigeria plays a crucial role. Our President is a powerful voice within the AU and, as ECOWAS Chairman, has demonstrated strong leadership, particularly in managing regional security and diplomatic challenges,? he stated.

Another major highlight of the AU Summit, according to Dare, is the anticipated appointment of a Nigerian as a Commissioner on the AU Peace and Security Council?a development he described as a key achievement of President Tinubu?s foreign policy initiatives.

?The AU Peace and Security Commission is critical, and having a Nigerian on that body is a significant milestone. It is one of the gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?s foreign policy efforts,? he said.

Dare also highlighted the upcoming transition in leadership at the African Development Bank (AfDB), stressing that President Tinubu?s endorsement would be instrumental in determining the next president of the financial institution.

?The AfDB presidency is a hotly contested position. A Nigerian currently holds it, and as he rounds off, another candidate will have to emerge. It will be difficult for anyone to get that position without Nigeria?s support and without President Tinubu?s endorsement,? he explained.

Describing the AU Summit as Africa?s equivalent of the United Nations General Assembly, Dare emphasized its importance in shaping the continent?s future.

?The AU meeting is always big?it?s like Africa?s UN General Assembly. Every September, world leaders converge in New York; in the same way, the AU Summit in Addis Ababa is a key diplomatic event. President Tinubu will be leading Nigeria?s delegation, and we expect a highly productive summit,? he concluded. (Nation)

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