ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, against military engagement to restore democratic order in Niger Republic.
The situation in Niger has garnered international attention, leading to tensions across the West Africa sub-region.
In a statement signed on Thursday, August 3, 2023, Abubakar, also the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stressed the importance of sustained diplomatic engagements in addressing the crisis.
The former Vice President pointed out the increasing occurrence of military interventions in West African states in the past three years, noting that this pattern is cause for concern.
“Of course, the world expects Nigeria to take up leadership in ensuring that the crisis of political leadership in the Republic of Niger is not just curtailed but also ensuring the restoration of democratic governance in that country,” Abubakar stated.
While commending ECOWAS for its role so far, he emphasized that the regional body should avoid military hostilities, which could potentially exacerbate the situation.
“The crisis in the Republic of Niger requires diplomatic engagement, and that must mean that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained,” he said.
In a call to action, Abubakar expressed the expectation for Nigeria to take a leading role in the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
He also emphasized the situation’s urgency, stating that the world cannot afford to wait too long for the crisis to be reasonably resolved.
He concluded that while these are undoubtedly challenging times for the West African region, any actions to resolve the crisis in the Republic of Niger must prioritize democracy as the ultimate goal and victor.
Abubakar’s statement reflects a broader concern in the international community about the stability of West African nations, especially in light of recent events.
The emphasis on diplomacy and dialogue, rather than military intervention, resonates with the global commitment to peace and democratic governance.
It also serves as a reminder of the significant role that regional powers like Nigeria play in shaping the continent’s political landscape.
