Buratai urges stronger regional unity, calls for Sahel States’ return to ECOWAS

Seeks Deeper AU Collaboration to Sustain Peace, Democracy in West Africa

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

ABUJA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has called for renewed efforts to strengthen regional unity and peace, urging the Economic Community of West African States to work with the African Union to reintegrate Sahel countries that have withdrawn from the bloc.

Buratai made the call in a goodwill message at the Voice of Nigeria Forum 2026 held in Abuja, where he emphasised Nigeria’s long-standing leadership role in regional stability.

“For 51 years, Nigeria has been a key anchor of ECOWAS, investing resources and diplomacy to defend democracy across the region,” he said.

The former army chief recalled Nigeria’s contributions to peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as efforts to stabilise The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.

He stressed that ECOWAS must sustain its legacy by prioritising unity and collective security, noting that regional stability is closely tied to national security.

According to him, closer collaboration between ECOWAS and the AU is essential to address emerging challenges, particularly the withdrawal of some Sahel nations.

“ECOWAS should continue to engage the African Union to encourage the return of Sahel states. The unity of ECOWAS cannot be complete without Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic,” he said.

Buratai warned that without unity, progress in the region could be undermined, describing democracy and collective security as “two sides of the same coin.”

Earlier, he commended the Voice of Nigeria for its professionalism and pan-African outlook, congratulating the organisation on its 51st anniversary.

He described VON as “a Nigerian voice with an African heart” and paid tribute to media professionals who have contributed to its development over the years.

Buratai also lauded the organisation’s current management for maintaining high standards and relevance.

He urged regional stakeholders to strengthen institutions and foster unity to preserve the gains of cooperation across West Africa.

“Let us honour ECOWAS’ legacy by strengthening our institutions and our unity,” he said.