Eko Hot Blog reports that Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has called on the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to prioritise diplomacy in their approach to resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
Recall that Niger Republic is currently under military rule after soldiers deposed President Mohamed Bazoum nearly two weeks ago in a coup.
The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government subsequently threatened military action against the military junta if Bazoum was not returned to office.
However, the military regime disregarded the threat, remaining in office after the deadline has passed.
Mohamed Toumba, one of the coup leaders, said the junta was aware of those “lurking in the shadows” who were “plotting subversion” against “the forward march of Niger”, and that the military authorities would not yield to the demands of ECOWAS.
Although Ajuri Ngelale, the Nigerian president’s spokesperson, had said the option of a military intervention is still on the table, there is still uncertainty as to whether ECOWAS would proceed with its proposed invasion as talks of a military intervention have been met with backlash from many countries and stakeholders.
On Thursday, Tinubu, the ECOWAS Authority chairperson, addressed the group in Abuja at the opening of the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the crisis.
The ECOWAS chairperson said it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the bloc’s interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress.
“It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger,” he said.
The Nigerian leader reminded the ECOWAS leaders that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region.
“By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all,” he said.
The ECOWAS chairperson expressed confidence that the 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit would be a defining moment in the journey towards a stronger, more resilient, and integrated West Africa.
He, therefore, rallied fellow leaders to seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of Africans by fostering a future characterized by peace, progress, and prosperity.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Presidents of Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Cote ‘d’ Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, and Togo, while Liberia and the Gambia were represented by their Foreign Ministers.
Non-ECOWAS leaders, such as the Mauritanian and Burundian presidents, also attended.p
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