President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, has called on world leaders to embrace multilateralism as a pathway to global peace, security, and prosperity.
Speaking at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, the Nigerian President emphasized the importance of partnerships built on mutual respect and inclusivity, while rejecting protectionism as a counterproductive approach to peacebuilding.
Addressing a high-level meeting on peace and security, Tinubu highlighted the shared challenges facing the global community, such as food insecurity and armed conflicts, and underscored the need for collaborative efforts to tackle these issues.
“We have very little time left,” Tinubu warned, urging global leaders to rethink approaches to governance and economic development. “Embracing multilateralism and rejecting protectionism and strengthening cooperative partnership is essential if we must achieve lasting peace, security, stability, and prosperity for future generations.”
Tinubu commended the African Union’s consistent advocacy for peace, particularly its Silencing the Guns initiative, which he described as “pivotal” in fostering stability across the continent. He reiterated the significance of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision for a peaceful and secure Africa, noting that peace efforts must tackle the root causes of conflict, such as poverty and social injustice.
“Nigeria has played a pivotal role in ECOWAS evolution,” Tinubu remarked, stressing that the nation remains deeply committed to peacebuilding and security across West Africa. He praised Nigeria’s leadership in transitioning ECOWAS from an economic bloc to a regional security architecture. “Nigeria’s leadership has been critical in developing mechanisms for conflict resolution and management,” he added.
The President further lauded China’s contributions to Africa’s development through initiatives like the Belt and Road and FOCAC. He emphasized the necessity of inclusive economic opportunities, justice, and human security as foundational elements for achieving sustainable peace.
“Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding has solidified its position as a cornerstone of regional stability,” Tinubu affirmed. “We will continue to strengthen our efforts in support of a more secure and prosperous West Africa.”
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, noted that the President’s speech marked a significant call for global collaboration in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
As Chairman of ECOWAS, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s role in upholding good governance, combating terrorism, providing humanitarian aid, and pursuing diplomacy in the West African region. His call for multilateralism and cooperation resonated as a pivotal message for leaders at FOCAC and beyond, as they grapple with the complex dynamics of global peace and security.
