Tuggar: Nigeria, Others to Reinvigorate MNJTF to Tackle Terrorism in West Africa

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has disclosed that steps were on to reinvigorate the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in order to tackle terrorism in the West African subregion.

He spoke in Abuja at Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary Foreign Policy Public Lecture, organised by the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN).

Tuggar disclosed that Nigeria was leading the push for the reinvigoration of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and in collaboration with other countries of RCOWAS, was working at repositioning the regional Standby Force to effectively counter terrorism.

He further assured them that Nigeria would continue to promote governance based on constitutional authority, structured transitions and accountability to the population.

Tuggar said: “The Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are the essential building blocks of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). And it is safe to say that the creation of the AfCFTA is now a public convention, as well as a political conviction widely accepted across the globe.

 “No RECs, no AfCFTA. However, we cannot sustain growth without peace, stability, and good governance,” urging the regional bloc to uphold its commitment to integration, resolving disputes peacefully, maintaining security in the region and democratic governance.

He said, “For peace to reign in ECOWAS and the expanding Sahel, we must continue to proffer our own organic solutions, with the support of partners who are genuinely committed to our developmental aspirations. We must not allow our region to become a zone of global contestation.

 “I wish to reiterate that our foreign policy is always in service to domestic needs and priorities. The Tinubu Doctrine of 4-D Diplomacy – based on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora – is aligned with the Administration’s 8-point Agenda.

 “We must work with regional and international partners to achieve these objectives, which include job creation, industrialisation, infrastructure development and security. We count on your trust and continued cooperation in this important mission.”

Former Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff, Gen Martin Luther Agwai, said over the years, ECOWAS hadmade tremendous effort to foster democracy and maintain stability.

 “From mediating, organising peaceful elections, our regional body has remained a key player in advancing democracy and peace. We have witnessed ECOWAS respond to unconstitutional changes of government, actively restoring governance and ensuring that the voice of the people is being respected.”

The Chairman of ARCAN, Ambassador Joe Keshi, in his welcome address, noted that one of the most pressing challenges facing ECOWAS was regional security.

He added that the rise of terrorist groups and cross-border conflicts has threatened stability and undermined economic development.