Niger: Tinubu Opts For Diplomacy, Dialogue …As CAN Rejects Military Option

President Bola Tinubu says the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will give top priority to diplomacy and dialogue in ending the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
Tinubu said this as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, at the Extraordinary Summit held at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.
ECOWAS leaders convened in Nigeria’s capital to discuss the next line of action after the ultimatum issued elapsed on Sunday, without Niger’s military leaders yielding to the deadline.
The West African regional bloc had asked General Abduorahamane Tchiani to release ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and restore democratic order in the country.
Rather than restoring a democratic government, the coupists, in contrast, cut ties with Nigeria, shut its airspace, and appointed an economist, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, as the transitional Prime Minister.
Hours before the ECOWAS meeting, the junta also formed a new cabinet and named 21 ministers to serve in the government to be led by Zeine.
In his welcome address to review Niger’s crisis, yesterday, Tinubu said the bloc would examine bridges and challenges that might have served as obstacles in bringing Niger’s impasse to an end.
“Today’s Summit provides a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since our last gathering,” he said.
“It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and identify any gaps or challenges that may have hindered progress.
“Only through this comprehensive assessment can we collectively chart a sustainable path toward lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger”, he said.
Tinubu said that all the relevant parties including the coup leaders will be involved in a bid to have an amicable resolution in the Niger crisis.
According to the ECOWAS chairman, “In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize 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.
“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize 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”.
Tinubu recalled that the military junta was told in the previous meeting to reinstate the democratically elected President but the directive was yet to be complied with.
“As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.
“Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation”, he noted.
Meanwhile, in a firm stance against military intervention in Niger, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the upholding of democratic principles.
The call came amidst the ongoing discussion by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of Government on the possibility of a military intervention in the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
In a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday, CAN emphasized the importance of stability within the West African region.
“CAN fully recognizes the gravity of the situation in Niger and the importance of upholding democratic principles, peace, and stability within the West African region.
“We believe that the peaceful resolution of conflicts is vital for the progress and well-being of our nations and our people,” declared President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated.
He further stated that the path to lasting peace lies in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts.
“As an organization deeply committed to promoting justice, peace, and harmony, CAN urges His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to remain on the path of dialogue and avoid any form of military intervention or measures that would create enmity between the good people of Nigeria and Niger.
“We firmly believe that the path to lasting peace lies in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts,” Okoh added.
CAN, however, commended President Tinubu and the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of Government for their unwavering commitment to discouraging coups d’état and the forceful takeover of power.
The association also lauded Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts, which included sending a high-level delegation, led by General Abdulsalam Abubakar, to engage with Nigerien authorities.
“Furthermore, we commend the inclusion of the esteemed Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, in the delegation.
“This representation showcases the unity of purpose and the collaborative spirit of Nigerian leaders, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries to jointly pursue peace in our region,” CAN stated.
The apex Christian body also appreciated the efforts of other prominent leaders who engaged with the Nigerien authorities in their personal capacities, leveraging private contacts.
The body noted that the wisdom, experience and counsel of those leaders would contribute to the resolution of the crisis in Niger and the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
CAN also implored all stakeholders involved in the Niger crisis to embrace peaceful negotiations and work tirelessly towards a sustainable resolution.
“Peace is a collective responsibility, and only through joint efforts and unwavering commitment can we build a future of progress, stability, and prosperity for our nations,” Archbishop Okoh noted.