President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is exploring diplomatic negotiations and dialogue in resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
Tinubu, who is the chairperson of ECOWAS, said this on Thursday when the leaders of the West African States met to discuss the crisis in Niger Republic following the expiration of the deadline given to the military junta to relinquish power.
He urged the regional bloc to engage the coup leaders in Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum when he declared open the ECOWAS second extraordinary session in Abuja.
“It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress,” Tinubu said.
“Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.
“More so, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.
“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum.
“It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.”
According to Nigeria’s President, the coup in neighbouring Niger Republic has far-reaching effects on democratically constituted governments in the West African sub-region.
“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize 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.”
Niger Republic’s junta last week cut off ties with Nigeria, its former colonial ruler France, Togo, and the United States.
Spokesperson for Niger’s coup leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said this in a national broadcast on Thursday, according to Radio France International.
Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS has sent different delegations including one led by former military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar to Niger Republic but has not yielded the desired result.
