The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, on Thursday in Abuja beat a tactical retreat from the use of military force to restore constitutional governance in the Republic of Niger.

Chairman of the regional bloc, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while addressing his colleagues, gave the hint saying that the ECOWAS will instead continue to champion diplomacy and dialogue, as well as earnest discussions with all parties involved.

He specifically said that it is the duty of ECOWAS to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.

President Tinubu in his capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS, said in Abuja at the opening of the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Niger, that in reaffirming members’ relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that that they prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of their approach.

Tinubu further said; “We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum”.

ECOWAS Leaders

Underscoring the significance of the meeting, Tinubu stressed the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of progress thus far, adding that more specifically, as leaders of their respective nations, they 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.

In his words; “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”.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said that building upon commitments from the initial Extraordinary Summit held in Abuja ten days ago, President Tinubu recollected the ECOWAS leaders’ collective condemnation of the military coup that toppled Niger’s democratically elected government.

Highlighting the firm and coordinated efforts already undertaken, the President outlined ECOWAS’ deployment of mediation teams and Special Envoys to engage with key stakeholders within and beyond the region.

Tinubu also pointed to the recent meeting of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff, the meeting of the Chiefs of Staffs Committee and the ECOWAS Commission’s memorandum on current developments in Niger as crucial sources of insight to guide the decisions of the Heads of State and Government at the meeting.

According to Tinubu; “Today’s Summit provides a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since our last gathering. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress.

“It is only through this comprehensive assessment that we can collectively chart a new sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger,” he stressed.

President Tinubu 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
President Tinubu 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.

“Any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” they warned, adding that such a move could result in “disastrous consequences” that “could destabilise the entire region”.

ByChiamaka Okafor

In a dangerous turn of events, military-ruled Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea have declared their support for the coup in Niger.

Burkina Faso and Mali in a joint statement on Monday warned that any military intervention against Niamey would be considered a declaration of war against their nations.

“Any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” they warned, adding that such a move could result in “disastrous consequences” that “could destabilise the entire region”.

The warning was read out on their national broadcasters a day after ECOWAS threatened to use force to reinstate Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum should the coup plotters not comply after seven days.

“The transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali express their fraternal solidarity… to the people of Niger, who have decided with full responsibility to take their destiny in hand and assume the fullness of their sovereignty before history,” Aljazeera quoted the two countries as saying.

They described sanctions imposed on Niger as “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane against the people and authorities of Niger hence will not apply them.”

In Guinea, a post made on the social networking platform X said “the National Committee of the Rally for Development (CNRD) firmly expressed its support for the people of this friendly country (Niger), emphasising the importance of the values of Pan-Africanism dear to the Head of State, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya.”

It dissociated itself from the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.

Niger’s coup leaders named General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former presidential guard chief, as head of state, saying they overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum due to poor governance and discontent with the way he handled security threats from groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS (ISIL).

While countries declare support for the coup plotters, Niger’s military are arresting top officials of the toppled government.

The mines minister, oil minister and head of the ruling party were among those arrested on Monday, according to the PNDS party.

The party also noted that the interior minister, transport minister and a former defence minister, have also been arrested.
(Premium Times)

Report by Elizabeth Okwe
…
As diplomatic engagements continue with the new Nigerian government,
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday met with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery at the State House, Abuja.

In a chat with State House correspondents after the meeting on Wednesday, the British High Commissioner said the meeting with the Nigerian Vice President was fruitful, as it focused on how to ramp up bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in the area of boosting economic engagements.

Montgomery said British ministers are “responding positively” to the policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration including removal of fuel subsidy and unification of foreign exchange rates.
The British High Commissioner said he discussed with the Vice-President on the measures to cushion the effect of the President’s first policies like subsidy removal.

He said, “I was in London last week and I was briefing my ministers and I was also talking to British business(es) in the finance, banking and investment sectors and they are responding very positively to these first decisions.
“We know that there are tough times with inflation and unemployment. The Vice President and I also touched on some of the measures that might be possible to cushion some of these economic pressures.”

Montgomery expressed confidence that the reforms of the new administrations in Nigeria will help place the country on a greater path.
“The big issue is that these reforms help out Nigeria on a higher, greater path, will attract more investments and the United Kingdom and the City of London see Nigeria as a big opportunity going forward,” he stated.