Tinubu seeks help to re-establish democratic governance in Niger
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stated on Tuesday reiterated his will to restore constitutional order in neighboring Niger following a July coup, while leaving himself open to any cooperation to facilitate the process.
Tinubu is the head of ECOWAS, the West African bloc that has been attempting to engage with the Niger military dictatorship. If diplomatic attempts fail, ECOWAS has stated that it is prepared to send soldiers to restore constitutional order.
“The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favor towards coups. It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems,” Tinubu said.
“Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders. As chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region.”
The coup in Niger and the fresh one in Gabon has unsettled the ECOWAS and other regional bodies on the continent who have slapped various sanctions on the junta.
In response to possible military intervention in Niger, three West African Sahel states ruled by military juntas Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso signed a security treaty committing to come to each other’s help in the event of a rebellion or external assault.
The three nations are battling extremist insurgency affiliated to al Qaeda and the Islamic State, and their relations with neighbors and international partners have been strained as a result of the military takeovers.
