Details have emerged from the recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Faye. The Senegalese President visited Nigeria on Thursday and met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
During the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized the need for West African countries to unite against terrorism, human trafficking, and poverty. He stressed the importance of making the people the focus of governance, highlighting that democracy loses its essence when citizens do not benefit from it.
Tinubu underscored the significance of democratic values and constitutional order, stating that these principles must be upheld. He also highlighted the importance of respecting critical institutions like the judiciary for the preservation of democracy.
“Senegal has demonstrated the strength of constitutional democracy to the world and Africa,” Tinubu said. “It is a pleasure to welcome you and to align with the hopes and aspirations of our youth.”
He described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations with a long history of cooperation. Tinubu noted, “To sustain democracy in the interest of our people, we must work diligently. Your commitment to democratic values is exemplary.”
President Tinubu called for collaboration to focus on the welfare of the people, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law and prevent unconstitutional takeovers. He invited Faye to collaborate within ECOWAS to persuade other leaders to adhere to democratic principles.
“We must defeat human trafficking, terrorism, banditry, and poverty,” Tinubu asserted. “These should be our primary commitments.”
President Faye acknowledged the shared values and challenges between Nigeria and Senegal, recalling their strong relations since the 1960s. He called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to enhance bilateral relations in diplomacy, trade, and other areas.
Faye expressed confidence in Tinubu’s wisdom and experience to strengthen ECOWAS relations. “Our private sectors should benefit our countries,” he said. “ECOWAS represents successful regional integration, a legacy we owe to our founding fathers.”
He added, “Together, we can tackle common challenges like human trafficking and migrant smuggling. United, we are stronger and can thrive economically to meet our people’s needs.”
The meeting highlighted the commitment of both leaders to democratic governance and regional cooperation, aiming for a united and prosperous West Africa.
