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Leadership (Abuja)

Abuja — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has, in its communiqué issued by its president Victor James Gbeho, after a two-day exhaustive session of the 39th extraordinary summit of heads of states and government of ECOWAS, which ended in Abuja yesterday, urged the United Nations Security Council to facilitate the immediate transfer of power to the acclaimed winner of the disputed November 28 presidential election, Alassane Ouattara.



The communiqué further tasked the United Nations Security Council to strengthen the mandate of the United Nations operation in Cote d' Ivoire to protect life and property as well as adopt more stringent international targeted sanctions including force against Gbagbo and his associates.

The sub-regional body also unanimously re-elected its chairman, President Goodluck Jonathan, following the expiration of his tenure.

Jonathan's re-election was the high point of the 39th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

Nigeria assumed the chairmanship of ECOWAS at the 35th Summit in December 2008, a mandate that was renewed at the 37th Summit in February 2010.Jonathan became chairman of the body in May 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Yar'Adua.

Jonathan had on Wednesday highlighted the progress recorded by the body under the chairmanship of Nigeria, which underscored the need for the re-election of the country as chairman.

He showcased the achievements of the community since Nigeria took over its mantle of leadership in December 2008 and particularly since he assumed the chairmanship of ECOWAS in May 2010 following the death of former President Umaru Yar'Adua.

He said: "Over this period, our organisation has recorded a number of noteworthy achievements. Of particular significance is the progress made in the area of the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocols and Common External Tarrif, ECT. Likewise is the implementation of ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services and the Rights of Establishment."

Boakai Fofana/allafrica.com

One refugee family in Liberia sits beside their shelter.

According to him, the organisation was confronted with a series of political and governance crisis in member nations like Guinea Bissau, Gunieea Conakry, Niger and Cote d'Ivoire. He noted that ECOWAS was able to efficiently face up to the challenges and effected the restoration of peace and stability in Guinea Bissau and democracy in Guinea Conakry.

He said the Community was also able to commit the military leadership in Niger to a structured transition programme which has led to the election of a new president in that country.

On the deteriorating political situation in Cote d'Ivoire, Jonathan called on member states not to underestimate the threat it posed to the peace and security of the entire region.

Jonathan urged the Summit to pass a resolution to request the UN to take a more serious step on the Ivorian situation. He charged member nations on the need to entrench peace, security and stability as a measure to attract requisite domestic and foreign investments for economic development.