Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), President Bola Tinubu, says it is crucial to prioritise diplomatic negotiations to resolve the crisis in Niger Republic.
Channels Television reported that, according to the Nigerian President, the regional bloc must engage the coup leaders in the neighbouring country to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum.
At the start of the second special meeting of the ECOWAS on the situation in the Niger Republic, Tinubu spoke on Thursday in Abuja.
More importantly, he added, “It is critical that we prioritize diplomatic engagements and dialogue as the cornerstone of our strategy in order to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and the welfare of the people of Niger.
In order to persuade all parties, including the coup leaders, to cede control and restore President Bazoum, we must hold serious negotiations with all parties involved. It is our responsibility to use every available means of communication to make sure that Niger quickly returns to constitutional government.
According to Tinubu, the coup in neighboring Niger has profound implications for the sub-region’s democratically elected governments.
“More particularly, we as the leaders of our various countries must acknowledge that the political crisis in Niger not only jeopardizes the country’s stability but also has significant ramifications for the entire West African area.
“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 declared.
The meeting entered a closed-door session following Tinubu’s statements.
The meeting in Abuja today is likely to produce significant conclusions.
The bloc, which has been working to stop a wave of coups among its members since 2020, gave the military in charge on July 26 until last Sunday to restore 63-year-old Bazoum or risk using force.
In the midst of a wave of economic measures, including border closure, Nigeria has also stopped supplying energy to Nigeria.
However, the coup’s organizers resisted, and the deadline passed without any action.
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