The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to convene an extraordinary summit in Abuja on Thursday to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Niger. This follows a previous summit on July 30, where the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta to release President Bazoum and reinstate his government.
Niger experienced a coup on July 26 led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, resulting in the overthrow of President Bazoum by the Presidential Guard and armed forces.
The recent putsch prompted ECOWAS, a regional union of 15 countries, to threaten forceful intervention if the military junta did not step down within the stipulated seven-day period.
Middle Belt Forum Advises Caution
Amidst these developments, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has advised President Tinubu to focus on Nigeria’s internal issues rather than intervening in Niger’s political crisis. Dr. Isuwa Dogo, National Publicity Secretary of MBF, emphasized the cultural and social connections between Niger and Nigerian border states, urging caution and statesmanship in dealing with the situation.
Dogo stressed that good governance is essential to prevent coups and called on African leaders to uphold justice and equity.
Former Delta State Military Administrator Warns Against Military Action
Former military sole administrator of Delta State, Air Commodore Luke Ochulor (retd), cautioned against military intervention in Niger. Ochulor emphasized Nigeria’s pressing issues like insecurity and hunger, suggesting that engaging in territorial disputes would be counterproductive.
Mali and Burkina Faso Extend Solidarity
As ECOWAS leaders deliberate their course of action after the ultimatum, Mali and Burkina Faso have dispatched a joint delegation to Niamey to show solidarity with Niger. The transitional governments of Mali and Burkina Faso, which emerged after military takeovers in their respective countries, expressed support for the Nigerien soldiers behind the coup. They warned against military intervention in Niger, asserting that it would be considered a declaration of war against them, potentially leading to their withdrawal from ECOWAS.