The ongoing meeting of the ECOWAS heads of state is likely to call for more dialogue with the coup leaders in Niger, PREMIUM TIMES can report.
This follows the request by ECOWAS chair and Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, who told his fellow West African leaders that the regional bloc should adopt more dialogue with the putschists rather than deploy the military.
“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,” Mr Tinubu told his fellow West African leaders.
“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.”
The Nigerian leader acknowledged that some of the steps taken by ECOWAS to dialogue with the coup leaders have not been successful and called for the review of such steps.
“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 towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger,” he said.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the junta leader in Niger has refused to meet ECOWAS, AU, UN and US delegations since the regional bloc imposed sanctions on Niger. The sanctions include air and land blockade and asset freezes.
Although he refused to meet with the regional leaders, General Abdourahamane Tchiani Wednesday met with Nigerian Lamido Sanusi, an ally of Mr Tinubu, who later briefed the Nigerian leader about his visit.
The coup leaders also ignored an ECOWAS ultimatum to return power to ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who is still being detained. ECOWAS had threatened to use force if its demands were ignored by the coup leaders.
However, most Nigerians, including the parliament, trational and religious leaders have opposed the use in force in Niger and called for more dialogue.
Credit: premiumtimesng.com
