ABUJA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has called for renewed commitment to regional peace and unity among West African nations, urging closer collaboration between ECOWAS and the African Union.
Speaking at the 2026 Voice of Nigeria Forum in Abuja, Buratai described Nigeria as the “unshakable anchor” of ECOWAS, citing decades of military and diplomatic interventions across the region.
He referenced Nigeria’s leadership in peacekeeping missions, including the ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as stabilisation efforts in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.
According to him, Nigeria’s stability remains closely tied to that of its neighbours, stressing that democracy and collective security must go hand in hand.
Buratai also called for renewed efforts to reintegrate Sahel nations into the regional bloc, noting that the absence of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger weakens ECOWAS unity.
“The unity of ECOWAS cannot be complete without these countries,” he said, warning that regional progress could remain elusive without collective cooperation.
The retired general further urged ECOWAS to deepen engagement with the African Union to restore cohesion across West Africa.
He commended Voice of Nigeria for its role in promoting African narratives, describing the organisation as “professional, independent, and visionary” as it marks its 51st anniversary.
