Niger Coup: Tinubu Bows To Pressure, Next Move Revealed

Niger Coup: Tinubu Bows To Pressure, Next Move Revealed

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has affirmed that the regional organization will persist in advocating diplomacy, dialogue, and earnest discussions with all parties involved to reinstate constitutional governance in the Republic of Niger…CONTINUE READING

There was widespread criticism of Mr. Tinubu’s initial inclination toward military intervention in Niger following the removal of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

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On August 5, the Nigerian Senate rejected Mr. Tinubu’s proposal to deploy Nigerian troops to Niger Republic and advised ECOWAS to seek a political resolution to the crisis.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the commencement of the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Niger, Mr. Tinubu outlined ECOWAS’ strategy of dispatching mediation teams and Special Envoys to engage with key stakeholders within and beyond the region, aiming for a peaceful restoration of democratic order in the country.

“While reaffirming our unwavering dedication to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the Nigerien people, it’s imperative that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the foundation of our approach. We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in serious discussions to persuade them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our responsibility to explore all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger,” he stated.

Highlighting the significance of the meeting, Mr. Tinubu underscored the importance of a thorough assessment of the progress made so far.

“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the nation’s stability but also has far-reaching consequences for the entire West African region. By remaining resolute in our commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all,” he asserted.

Building upon commitments from the previous Extraordinary Summit held in Abuja ten days prior, Mr. Tinubu recalled the ECOWAS leaders’ collective condemnation of the military coup that ousted Niger’s democratically elected government.

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

“Today’s Summit offers a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since our last gathering. It’s crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have impeded progress. Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a new sustainable path towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger,” emphasized Mr. Tinubu.

He expressed confidence that the 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit would mark a decisive moment in the journey toward a more robust, resilient, and integrated West Africa.

Mr. Tinubu called on fellow leaders to seize this occasion to create a lasting impact on the lives of Africans by fostering a future characterized by peace, progress, and prosperity.

In attendance at the opening ceremony were the Presidents of Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Côte 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 participated.