President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has asserted that no option is off the table, including the use of force as a last resort, in the efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in Niger Republic. The Chairman made these remarks during the closing of an ECOWAS summit held in Abuja, Nigeria.
Tinubu, speaking after the summit, highlighted that the communiqué issued at the extraordinary summit explicitly outlines that all options, including the use of force as a last resort, are being considered. He emphasized the significance of ECOWAS taking the lead in finding a solution to the crisis and stated that if the bloc doesn’t act decisively, no one else will. Tinubu underscored ECOWAS’s unwavering commitment to supporting Niger in its pursuit of peaceful and democratic stability.
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Addressing the challenges ahead, Tinubu expressed confidence that with collective determination, ECOWAS can surmount these obstacles, ultimately fostering lasting peace and prosperity not only in Niger Republic but also in other member countries. He lauded the dedication and commitment of leaders within the sub-region to the betterment of the African continent.
Tinubu’s closing remarks followed a summit that saw ECOWAS leaders convene to address the political crisis in Niger. The summit occurred after an ultimatum for the reinstatement of the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired, with the coup leaders failing to comply. The summit’s deliberations took place against the backdrop of growing concerns about the impact of military takeovers on the stability of the West African region.
The summit saw the appointment of a new government by the coup leaders, indicating their defiance to the ultimatum set by ECOWAS. The newly-formed cabinet, led by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, includes generals from the new military governing council overseeing the defense and interior ministries. The coup leaders’ actions have drawn international attention and prompted discussions within ECOWAS regarding potential interventions in Niger.
The fragile nature of Niger, coupled with its position among the world’s poorest nations, has intensified the discussions around the potential consequences of military intervention. ECOWAS’s responses to the crisis, including considering the use of force as a last resort, will undoubtedly shape the path forward for both the sub-region and Niger Republic.