Under the leadership of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened for a closed-door session to address the ongoing situation in Niger Republic.
The closed-door meeting was initiated right after Tinubu’s opening remarks. During his address, Tinubu emphasized the regional bloc’s commitment to upholding democracy and human rights in Niger Republic.
President Tinubu stressed that the ECOWAS is dedicated to safeguarding democracy and human rights within Niger Republic. He stated that it’s essential for the regional bloc to engage with the leaders of the coup in the neighboring country in order to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum.
The urgency of the situation prompted an emergency summit by ECOWAS leaders, scheduled for Thursday. This development follows the military leadership’s defiance of a set ultimatum to restore the democratically elected president in Niger.
Ecowas …….. protecting democracy and human rights in Niger Republic.
Meanwhile , President Bola Tinubu, said the regional bloc was committed to protecting democracy and human rights in Niger Republic.
Adding that it is imperative for the regional bloc to initiate discussions with the coup leaders in the neighboring nation to facilitate the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum.
The Nigeria president on Thursday in Abuja when he declared open the ECOWAS second extraordinary session on the situation in Niger Republic.
He said, “More so, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritise 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.”
Tinubu said the coup in neighbouring Niger has far-reaching effects on democratically constituted governments in the sub-region.
“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognise 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.
“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 said.
