Foreign Affairs Minister Urges African Leaders to Address Political Instability, Security

By Zainab Bakare

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama-Tuggar, has called on African leaders to tackle political instability, emphasizing that the aspirations for prosperity and progress across the continent will remain unattainable without stability.

Speaking at the 53rd session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister highlighted the growing threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime.

He noted that these challenges represent a shared burden that no single country can confront alone.

“These escalating threats underscore the necessity of collective action and regional cooperation,” Tuggar stated.

He urged the conference participants to reaffirm ECOWAS’s role as a symbol of hope for millions in the region who rely on it for leadership, stability, and progress.

The minister also highlighted the conclusion of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism this year, describing the meeting as a crucial opportunity to devise a forward-looking strategy.

He stressed the need to strengthen collective security mechanisms and sustain momentum in addressing these shared threats.

The conference brings together regional leaders and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for fostering peace, security, and development across West Africa.