Nigeria will support consolidation of democracy in ECOWAS countries – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that Nigeria will within the limits of resources do her best to support the consolidation of democracy in West African countries.

Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja, said Buhari stated this when he hosted President Roch Marc Christian Kabore of Burkina Faso, who was on a one-day official visit to Nigeria, on Thursday.

He said: “We are keeping tabs on situations in countries that have elections ahead.

“We know the countries that are calm and the ones where there have been unfortunate casualties. We will always support those who have elections ahead, so that things can go smoothly.’’

Burkina Faso holds legislative elections in November.

Kabore, who chairs the Economic, Trade and Liberalization Scheme of ECOWAS, said he was in Nigeria to discuss crucial sub-regional issues with Buhari.

These include the convening of a joint commission meeting between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, reported trade difficulties among Nigeria, Ghana, Republic of Benin, and Niger Republic, and the way forward.

Kabore commended Buhari for what he called “strong leadership and support” displayed by the Nigerian leader in his capacity as Chairman of COVID-19 response in West Africa.

“I must also applaud your strong leadership against terrorism in the sub-region,” the Burkinabe Leader said.

On the situation in Mali, Kabore expressed hope that the summit held in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, would yield positive results, stressing: “We need cohesion all over West Africa.”