APA-Niamey (Niger) – A military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Niger would bring instability to many countries in the region, the Turkish leader warned.
A growing number of voices are warning of the “disastrous consequences” awaiting a military intervention by Ecowas in Niger to restore constitutional order following last month’s coup.
In an interview with certain media on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejected the military option being propounded by the regional organisation.
“I don’t think the decision of the Economic Community of West African States to intervene militarily in Niger is fair. Following this decision, Mali and Burkina Faso also warned that such a military intervention in Niger would be tantamount to a war against them. A military intervention in Niger would mean that instability would spread across many African countries,” he declared.
Niamey is one of Ankara’s privileged partners in the Sahel. When he took office, deposed President Mohammed Bazoum set himself the goal of restoring security to his country, which was plagued by a jihadist insurgency. To that end, he purchased TB2 drones from the Turkish company BAYKAR.
“I hope that social peace and stability will be restored in Niger as soon as possible, and that the people of Niger will protect democracy and organise elections as soon as possible. As Turkey, we will continue to support the people of Niger, a friendly and brotherly country,” he promised.
On July 26, President Bazoum was removed from office as Niger’s presidential guards seized power.
Since then, Ecowas has floated the idea of reinstating Mahamadou Issoufou by force.
An undisclosed date for the likely intervention of the community force has already been set by the regional organisation’s heads of state and government.
In an address to the nation on Saturday, August 19, junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani warned Ecowas that “an attack on our country will not be a walk in the park.”
ARD/ac/lb/as/APA