During the Second ECOWAS Summit on Niger’s coup held in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu highlighted the paramount importance of prioritizing diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the cornerstone of ECOWAS’ approach to reestablishing democracy in Niger Republic.
As the Nigerian President and ECOWAS Chairman, Tinubu stressed the need to engage in meaningful discussions with all stakeholders, including the coup leaders, to facilitate a peaceful transition back to constitutional governance.
Reflecting on the previous ECOWAS meeting, where the junta was called upon to reverse its actions and sanctions were imposed, Tinubu acknowledged that the anticipated outcome was not achieved within the stipulated seven-day ultimatum.
Efforts also extended through ECOWAS mediation teams, including the involvement of former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who would provide updates on his mission to Niamey. Moreover, Special Envoys were dispatched to non-ECOWAS nations like Libya and Algeria, aiming to garner support for ECOWAS resolutions.
President Tinubu emphasized the present Summit as a pivotal occasion to review the progress since the previous gathering. He underscored the importance of evaluating intervention effectiveness and identifying challenges to collectively navigate a sustainable path towards long-lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.
Tinubu further recognized that the political turmoil in Niger extended beyond its borders, posing a threat to the stability of the entire West African region. By steadfastly upholding democratic values, good governance, and the rule of law, the road can be paved for a peaceful and prosperous environment in Niger, fostering growth and development.
He expressed confidence that this second ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger would be a defining juncture on the journey toward a more robust, resilient, and united West Africa.
