Atiku to ECOWAS: Don’t take military option in Niger | Diplomatic route far better

Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has advised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against “military hostilities” in Niger Republic.

In July, a military junta in the West African country ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

In response to the coup, ECOWAS resolved to use all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the country, including the use of force, if its demands are not met in a week.

But in a joint statement on Monday, Mali and Burkina Faso, West African countries suspended from ECOWAS on account of military coups, backed the actions of the Nigerien military.

The countries warned against any further interventions that would “jeopardise the spirit of Pan-Africanism” and threatened a withdrawal from the regional bloc.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the former vice-president said leaders in the bloc should avoid resorting to military intervention.

“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 statement reads.

“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.”

Abubakar commended the Nigerian government and ECOWAS for the actions taken so far to restore democracy in Niger.

“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,” he said.