The African Union (AU) has joined the global community in increasing pressure on the military junta in Niger Republic. The continental body has announced the suspension of Niger due to the military coup that ousted President Mohammed Bazoum in July,leadership report.
In a statement issued recently, the AU also reiterated its support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its endeavors to reinstate democracy in this impoverished West African nation.
Part of the statement reads, “In accordance with relevant AU instruments, including the AU Constitutive Act, the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, the AU has decided to immediately suspend the participation of the Republic of Niger in all AU activities, as well as its organs and institutions, until constitutional order is effectively restored in the country.”
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The AU called on all AU member states and the global community, including bilateral and multilateral partners, to reject this unconstitutional change of government and to avoid taking any actions that could legitimize the junta.
Furthermore, the AU praised the efforts of ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It urged AU member states to fully implement the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS. It’s worth noting that ECOWAS Heads of State and Government had indicated their willingness to use force to restore democratic order in Niger if diplomatic efforts fail, a stance that has elicited considerable debate.
Meanwhile, former Nigerian leader and ECOWAS envoy, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retired), has expressed confidence in the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Niger, underscoring the pivotal role of diplomacy.
General Abdulsalami conveyed this to State House correspondents after a meeting convened by ECOWAS chairman, President Bola Tinubu. During the meeting, discussions with the ousted President of Niger and junta leaders were on the agenda. Other attendees included the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
General Abdulsalami mentioned that he had presented the junta’s outlined terms to ECOWAS. He noted that communications had commenced between the West African regional bloc and the military in Niger. He expressed optimism that concrete progress would be made soon.
“As you are aware, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have appointed me as an envoy to the Niger Republic, and we visited over the weekend to engage with the military leaders and explore solutions to the current crisis,” he stated. “Our visit to Niger has been productive, opening a channel for dialogue, and hopefully, we will make significant progress.”
When asked about the possibility of avoiding military action, he responded, “Diplomacy will hopefully prevail. Nobody desires war; it benefits no one. However, our leaders have indicated that if all else fails, and I don’t believe it will, we will find a way out of this situation.”
