ECOWAS Leaders Renew Support To Combat Terrorism In Sub-Region

ECOWAS leaders have met in an extraordinary
session to review the political situation in
Guinea Bissau and the security situation in the
region, particularly in northern Mali and
northern Nigeria.

In a statement from Sunny Ugoh, the ECOWAS
spokesperson, in Abuja on Sunday said the
meeting was held in Accra on May 30.

The statement said the heads of state and
governments expressed deep concern with the
recent deterioration in the security situation in
the Kidal region of Mali.

It said the authority reaffirmed its
determination to actively combat the threats
posed by terrorism to regional and international
peace and security.

``The heads of states and governments strongly
condemned the deplorable acts of violence and
killings perpetrated by separatist and terrorist
groups in Kidal and its adjoining towns in the
north."

It said the summit renewed its support to the
government and people of Mali in ensuring
economic reconstruction, consolidation of peace,
national unity and territorial integrity of the
country.

The summit also appealed to the international
community, partners and donors to continue to
support the efforts, especially in humanitarian
assistance to displaced people and refugees in
neighboring states.

On the security situation in Nigeria, it said the
authority also expressed concern with the
bloody and recurrent attacks perpetrated
particularly by the Boko Haram sect in parts of
northern Nigeria.

The statement commended the mobilisation of
the international community behind Nigeria and
also encouraged the Nigerian government to
pursue national dialogue and reconciliation.

The authority further commended the positive
outcome of the May 17 Paris Summit on the
security situation in Nigeria.

The statement said the authority urged member
states to strengthen their cooperation
particularly in information sharing, in
coordinating the efforts of intelligence services
and in law enforcement.

The authority strongly condemned the acts of
terrorism as well as kidnapping and hostage-
taking, and expressed solidarity with Mali and
Nigeria in the difficult times, it stated.

On Guinea Bissau, he authority commended the
smooth holding of the general elections in
transparent and peaceful conditions, it added. From daily times