Uncertainties beset Nigerians as ECOWAS orders standby force against Niger junta
…Says military leaders have defiantly ignored peace talks
…As Niger coup leaders shun threat, form new Govt
…Avoid military action that would create enmity between Nigerians and Niger – CAN tells Tinubu
By Moses Adeniyi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following the second Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger in Abuja on Thursday, has ordered its standby force against military junta in Niger Republic.
The order according to ECOWAS is to restore constitutional order, a development that has left Nigerians with more uncertainties and anxiety.
Since President Bola Tinubu, Chairman of ECOWAS declared military option against coupists in Niger, Nigerians have expressed fear over the aftermath of such action, particularly in the Northern parts which share a close boundary with the landlocked Country.
The fear had informed a series of calls on President Tinubu to shelve military option aside, just as stakeholders have held a number of meetings with the President to tow the part of dialogue against military action.
Following the refusal of the military junta in Niger to yield to the deadline given by ECOWAS, while shunning talks moves by key stakeholders and envoys of key international organisations, the 15-nation organisation on Thursday ordered its standby force, “with all its elements immediately,” to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic.
The President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, made the declaration while reading the resolution of ECOWAS on the Niger coup at the second Extraordinary meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
It also called on the African Union (AU), partner countries, and institutions to support the resolution taken by the sub-regional body.
Thursday’s meeting was the second in 10 days to discuss the socio-political situation in the Republic of Niger, a meeting that had delegations of the African Union Commission; the UEMOA Commission; and the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in West Africa and the Sahel.
ECOWAS said all efforts made to dialogue with Niger Republic military junta have been defiantly rejected by coup leaders as they condemn the continuous detention of President Mohamed Bazoum and his family members.
The resolution partly read, “Direct the committee of the Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately.
“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS stand-by force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
“Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”
Leaders of ECOWAS under the leadership of the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu had stormed Abuja on Thursday proceeding for the extraordinary meeting behind closed-door session to discuss the situation in Niger Republic.
The session commenced immediately after the opening remarks by Tinubu.
Tinubu while giving his speech said the regional bloc was committed to protecting democracy and human rights in the Niger Republic.
According to the Nigerian President, the regional bloc must engage the coup leaders in the neighbouring country to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum.
Tinubu, while giving his opening speech, said, “Today, we gather with a profound sense of urgency and firm determination, building upon the commitments made during our first Extraordinary Summit, on the grave political crisis befalling our sister nation. During that initial meeting, we voiced our solidarity with the people of Niger and their democratically elected President, H.E Mohamed Bazoum, by condemning the military takeover and the unjust detention of their democratically elected President.
“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.
“Moreso, 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.
“I am confident that this 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger will be a defining moment in our journey towards a stronger, more resilient, and integrated West Africa. Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our fellow Africans as we strive to build a future defined by peace, progress, and prosperity.”
Two weeks after the coup that toppled Mohamed Bazoum, ECOWAS had earlier said it was seeking a diplomatic solution but has not ruled out using force to resolve the crisis.
The 15-nation organisation gave the troops who seized power on July 26 until last Sunday to reinstate Bazoum or face the potential use of force.
However, the coup leaders have shunned the warning, making more moves to legitimise a new government even after the deadline elapsed.
…Niger coup leaders form new Govt
The military leaders who seized power last month have formed a new government, according to a decree read out on national television on Thursday.
According to the announcement, Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine will lead the 21-member government, with generals from the new military governing council heading the defence and interior ministries.
Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of the mutineers who took control of Niger, has issued a decree establishing a new transitional administration.
The ActuNiger news portal states that Tchiani signed the order on Wednesday and that the new interim administration now has 21 ministers.
A very small percentage of the new government’s members are listed as serving in the military.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have continued to react calling for caution on the option of military action, while expressing fear on the dangers of military actions against the coupist in the Republic of Niger.
…Avoid military action that would create enmity between Nigerians and Niger – CAN tells Tinubu
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday called on President Tinubu to tow the path of dialogue, calling him to avoid any form of military intervention or measures in the Republic of Niger that would create enmity between the good people of Nigeria and Niger.
According to Christian body, the path to lasting peace lay in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts.
CAN in a statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued in Abuja, also commended 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.
“We also applaud their commendable efforts in resolving the crisis currently faced by our neighbours in the Republic of Niger.
“CAN fully recognises 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.
“We applaud President Tinubu for adopting a diplomatic approach in addressing the crisis by sending a high-level delegation, led by the eminent statesman General Abdulsalam Abubakar, to engage with the Nigerien authorities.
“This diplomatic overture demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and his belief in the power of constructive engagement to foster understanding and resolve conflicts.
“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 also commends the notable efforts of other prominent leaders, who have engaged with the Nigerien authorities in their personal capacities, leveraging his private contacts. Their wisdom, experience, and counsel will undoubtedly contribute to the resolution of the crisis in Niger and the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
“As an organisation 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,” CAN said.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs had warned the Federal Government and ECOWAS against carrying out a military action in Niger.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Salisu Shehu in a statement on Wednesday, had warned that sanctions, like the ones imposed by ECOWAS, would be counter-productive and would have “socio-economic negative implications for both Nigerians and Nigeriens especially as we share common history and borders.”
The warning came as former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, on Wednesday, met with Tchiani in Niamey to discuss the political impasse which resulted from the overthrow of President Bazoum.
Sanusi also met Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday following his meeting with the junta leader. He, however, refused to discuss details of his meeting with the President.
The former Emir, who told journalists he was in the Villa to brief Tinubu on the outcome of his meeting with the military leaders of Niger, said he was well received in the landlocked country.
“I came to brief him on the details of my discussions with leaders of Niger. We’ll continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is the time for public diplomacy, it’s not a matter that we leave to governments, all Nigerians, all Nigeriens need to be involved to find a solution that works for Africa, a solution that works for Niger that works for Nigeria and a solution that works for humanity,” he had said.
Asked if he was a government emissary on the mission, he said, “No, I was not sent by the government. Government officials were aware I was going, but it was my personal initiative, using my personal contacts to get there and I will continue to do my best. It is my duty as a leader to do that.”
Tinubu also on Wednesday met with leaders of various Islamic sects in the Country who sought his approval to intervene and negotiate with their counterparts in Niger Republic.
Meanwhile, a former rebel leader and politician in Niger, Rhissa Ag Boula, on Wednesday launched a movement opposing the military government that took power in a July 26 coup, a first sign of internal resistance to army rule in the Sahel country.
Boula had said his new Council of Resistance for the Republic aimed to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum who has been in detention at his residence since the takeover.
On Monday, the junta had denied the Acting United States Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland access to the coup leader and Bazoum, who was being held in the presidential palace.
Also, plans by a joint UN, AU, ECOWAS delegation to visit Niamey on Tuesday were aborted after the coup leaders said they were unavailable to meet with the mission.
On Tuesday, Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, told journalists in Abuja that more sanctions had been imposed on individuals and entities relating with the military junta.
It also gathered new sanctions have been imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that would prevent Nigerien banks from carrying out financial transactions with their Nigerian counterparts. The restriction also applied to the coupists and their collaborators.
Nigerians have expressed fear over the dangers of military intervention in the Republic of Niger, fearing immediate negative impact on neighbouring border States of Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno.
It is feared the States may be exposed to disturbances of socioeconomic destabilisation by possible war clashes.
Recall President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown and detained on July 26 by his own guards, led by Tchiani, who proclaimed himself the new president of the nation.
The Country’s borders were afterwards shut down by the interim National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, disregarding security pacts with France, Niger’s former colonial power.
ECOWAS in reaction froze the assets of the rebels and suspended all financial help to the nation on July 30. The sub-regional union also blocked all borders and forbade commercial flights into and out of the nation.
Subsequently, ECOWAS warned that if Bazoum was not reinstated within one week, it would turn to military action. Although Sunday marked the end of the deadline, the Niger military junta has shunned the threat.
