Military invasion not solution to Niger crisis, Atiku tells Tinubu-led ECOWAS

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has advised President Bola Tinubu led Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to consider diplomatic engagement in resolving the ongoing crisis in Niger.

Atiku in a statement on Thursday evening warned that a military invasion could escalate the situation in Niger.

“The military intervention in the Republic of Niger has created tension across the West Africa sub-region, and it is a development that has caused international attention to that neighbouring country of ours. The putsch is even more worrisome because the number of states that have witnessed military intervention in the last three years in the subregion is increasing. Of course, the world expects Nigeria to take up leadership in ensuring that the crisis of political leadership in the Republic of Niger is not just curtailed but also ensuring the restoration of democratic governance in that country. While the expectations that fall on Nigeria as the sub-regional leader is not a quick fix, it must be expressed that the role taken so far by the Economic Community of West African States has been commendable,” Atiku said.

“As the ECOWAS continues to work towards reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger, it must be reinforced that the regional body should not travel the road of military hostilities that may exacerbate the status quo. The crisis in the Republic of Niger requires diplomatic engagements, and that must mean that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained. While the world expects Nigeria to take a leading role in this process of peaceful conflict resolution, it must be clear to the military insurrectionists in the Republic of Niger that the world cannot afford to wait for too long before this crisis is resolved reasonably. This is undoubtedly a challenging time for the West African region. However, any actions taken towards the prompt resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger must prioritize democracy as the ultimate victor,” he added.

His comment comes just as the Bola Tinubu led government sent a delegation to negotiate with the Niger junta government.

Following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum’s administration in Niger last week, the ECOWAS gave the military authorities led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani a week to restore democratic rule.

As part of the use of force, Nigeria recently cut off the transmission of electricity supplies to the neighbouring West African country.