The current meeting of the ECOWAS Heads of state are likely to call for more dialogue with the leaders of the coup in Niger, Newslodge can report.
This follows a request from ECOWAS President and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who told his fellow West African leaders that the regional bloc should embrace more dialogue with the coup leaders rather than deploy the army.
“As we reaffirm 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 foundation of our approach,” Mr. Tinubu told his fellow leaders. from West Africa.
“We must engage all parties involved, including the leaders of the coup, in serious discussions to convince them to step down from power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of compromise to ensure a speedy return to constitutional governance in Niger.”
ECOWAS
The Nigerian leader acknowledged that some of the steps taken by ECOWAS to dialogue with the coup plotters have not been successful and called for a review of those steps.
“It is essential to assess 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.
Newslodge 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. Sanctions include air and ground blockades and freezing of assets.
Although he refused to meet with regional leaders, General Abdourahamane Tchiani met with Nigerian Lamido Sanusi, a Tinubu ally, on Wednesday, who later briefed the Nigerian leader on his visit.
The coup leaders also ignored an ECOWAS ultimatum to return to power ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who is still in detention. ECOWAS had threatened to use force if the coup leaders ignored their demands.
However, most Nigerians, including parliament, traditional and religious leaders, have opposed the use of force in Niger and have called for more dialogue.
On Wednesday, the highly influential Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) also called for the reversal of sanctions against Niger.
The ECOWAS meeting was still ongoing at the time of this report.
Read Mr. Tinubu’s full speech below.
OPENING REMARKS
BY
PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
IN IT
SECOND EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT ON THE SOCIO-POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF NIGER
ABUJA, NIGERIA
AUGUST 10, 2023
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government; His Excellency, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission; His Excellency, the Chairman of the African Union Commission; His Excellency, the President of the UEMOA Commission; The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in West Africa and the Sahel; and Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
Let me begin by welcoming you all to the Second (2nd) Extraordinary Summit on the Sociopolitical Situation in the Republic of Niger, in ten days’ time. Your presence here, despite short notice, demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our esteemed community to find a lasting solution to the political situation in the Republic of Niger.
2. We meet today with a deep sense of urgency and firm determination, based on the commitments made during our first Special Summit, on the grave political crisis afflicting our sister nation. During that initial meeting, we expressed our solidarity with the people of Niger and their democratically elected President, HE Mohamed Bazoum, by condemning the military coup and the unjust detention of their democratically elected President.
Tinubu asks for more dialogue
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, 3. As you may recall, we asked the junta to rescind its decision to overthrow a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions in the hope that this determined move would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of constitutional order in Niger. Unfortunately, the seven-day ultimatum we gave at the first Summit has not yielded the desired result. We have also made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams to engage the military junta in a peaceful resolution of the political situation. One of the facilitators, the former Head of State of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, would brief us on the outcome of his mission to Niamey.
4. Similarly, as part of consistent diplomatic initiatives, Special Envoys were sent to non-ECOWAS countries, in particular Libya and Algeria. During these engagements, the Designated Envoy for Libya had the privilege of an audience with the President of Libya. This speech resulted in an unequivocal expression of support for the resolutions adopted by ECOWAS aimed at restoring constitutional governance in Niger. In Algeria, the Envoy was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the President of the country. These initiatives aim to present a cohesive and united position regarding the current circumstances in Niger, thus showing a collaborative and concerted approach among African nations.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, 5. Following the resolution of our previous Extraordinary Summit to initiate a meeting of ECOWAS Chiefs of Staff, the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee was duly held on August 2-4. 2023. The outcome of that meeting, as well as a Memorandum from the President of the ECOWAS Commission on the current socio-political developments in Niger, will be presented during this Summit. These will offer critical insights that will inform our collective decision-making process at this meeting.
6. Today’s Summit provides an important opportunity to carefully review and assess the progress made since our last meeting. It is essential to assess 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. Furthermore, as we reaffirm 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 foundation of our approach. We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in serious discussions to convince them to step down from power and reinstate President Bazoum. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of compromise to ensure a speedy return to constitutional governance in Niger.7. More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the nation’s stability, 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 to the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development. for all.
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Dear Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,8. I am confident that this ECOWAS Second 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.
9. In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to each of you for your attention to this critical issue. I am confident that our deliberations will be productive and fruitful and will lead us to find an amicable solution to the political crisis in Niger. As we continue to work together in solidarity and harmony, we can ensure a prosperous future for the entire West African region.
10. With these words, I declare this Extraordinary Summit open.
Thank you all for your attention.
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