ECOWAS Chairman urges diplomatic options in tackling Niger crisis

APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The Chairman of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has urged ECOWAS Leaders to continue to consider all options in finding a peaceful resolution to the political crises in Niger Republic.
Speaking at the second Extraordinary Summit on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Niger on Thursday in Abuja, Tinubu said that the decisions should be to the benefits of the people of Niger and the sub-region.
‘’It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress. Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.
‘’Moreso, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize 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.’’
The president, however, urged the leaders to recognise that the political crisis in Niger republic poses a threat to the stability of the nation and a far-reaching implication for the sub-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 added that the summit would be a defining moment towards a stronger, more resilience and integrated West Africa.
‘’Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow Africans as we strive to build a future defined by peace, progress, and prosperity,’’ he said.
Tinubu commended the various envoys deployed on mediation mission to Niger, Libya and other partner countries.
In attendance at the summit are Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco of Guinea Bissau, and Everiste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.
Others are Presidents Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, Nana Akofo-Ado of Ghana, Macky Sall of Senegal, and Patrice Talon of Benin Republic.
Meanwhile, the President of ECOWAS, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, who gave the details of the final resolutions of the ECOWAS Leaders at the end of the Summit reiterated the condemnation of the coup in Niger.
He stated that the resolutions reached at the first Summit, especially in the areas of sanctions and military intervention are still on the table, while the option of peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger Republic is pursued.
He listed the resolutions to include immediate activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force and deployment of troops to ensure the restoration of democratic rule in Niger, while urging the African Union and the United Nations to endorse the actions and position of ECOWAS on the political crisis in Niger Republic and the enforcement of all the sanctions imposed on Niger and the coup plotters and their supporters among others.
He also announced that the President of ECOWAS Commission had been mandated to ensure the implementation of these resolutions aimed at the restoration of democracy in Niger Republic.
GIK/APA