By Banji Ayoola
At last, calm reason seems to have prevailed over rashness as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seems to be taking the pacific diplomatic and political approach, rather than its initial hawkish stand as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared that the bloc is exploring diplomatic negotiations and dialogue in resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
Tinubu, who is the chairperson of ECOWAS, toed this the new pacific line on Thursday when the leaders of the West African States met to discuss the crisis in Niger Republic following the expiration of the deadline given to the military junta to relinquish power.
The bloc arrived at this new decision following popular opposition across Nigeria against military intervention in this country’s long-term friendly neighbouring country, about 50 percent of whose population is of the Hausa ethnic group sharing sociocultural affinities with Nigeria.
Eminent Nigerian personalities and bodies including retired military generals, prominent Christian and Islamic bodies, sociocultural and human rights groups, and notable columnists, apart from several editorials by leading newspapers have cautioned against military intervention.
Besides, concerns have been expressed that seven states in Northern Nigeria which share boundaries with the Niger Republic would also be on the firing line and subjected to untold destruction should there be any invasion.
In fact, a body, Egalitarian Mission Africa led by a notable lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, has gone to court to stop the planned invasion while former Kano Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, undertook a private peace trip to the Niger Republic and met with leaders of the junta as part of efforts to prevent bloodletting over the coup.
ECOWAS had earlier given a week ultimatum to the coupists to restore the ousted civilian government or risk an invasion amid strings of economic sanctions imposed by the bloc on the Niger Republic.
Dramatically on Thursday, Tinubu urged the regional bloc to engage the coup leaders in Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum when he declared open the ECOWAS second extraordinary session in Abuja.
He told his brother ECOWAS leaders: “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.
“More so, in reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.
“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.”
According to Nigeria’s President, the coup in neighbouring Niger Republic has far-reaching effects on democratically constituted governments in the West African sub-region.
He said: “More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation 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 in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.”
Niger Republic’s junta last week cut off ties with Nigeria, its former colonial ruler France, Togo, and the United States.
Spokesperson for Niger’s coup leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said this in a national broadcast on Thursday, according to Radio France International.
Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS has sent different delegations including one led by former military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar to the Niger Republic but has not yielded the desired result.
