During the meeting, the officials discussed ECOWAS’ political efforts in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. They also supervised the signing of an agreement between the French Agency for Development and the Nigerian government. Other important issues included bilateral cooperation and greater representation of Africa in global organizations.
“France has consistently supported the reform of the United Nations Security Council to democratize it, where Nigeria aspires to become a permanent member in the future. We thank France for its support. We are also very keen on being a part of the G20,” said Tuggar.
France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, stated that her country is in support of ECOWAS’ efforts “to restore democracy” in the West African region. Despite Nigeria’s leadership in the West African bloc, the bloc has not made any recent announcements concerning steps to address regimes led by juntas. France has ended its anti-jihadist military operations in Mali and Burkina Faso, and has started withdrawing forces from Niger – all three countries where juntas now rule after coups. Transitions to democracy in Mali and Burkina Faso have stalled, while the junta in Niger has disregarded ECOWAS’ demand to reinstate constitutional order immediately, insisting on a transition period of up to three years. ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on Niger and has also kept open the possibility of military intervention as a final option if necessary.