Senator Ali Ndume, who represents the Southern Borno senatorial district at the National Assembly, expressed concern over the repercussions of the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He emphasized that the impact is adversely affecting the people of the eight states bordering Niger and the more than 120,000 refugees from Borno State who sought shelter in Niger due to Boko Haram attacks,leadership reports.
Senator Ndume criticized the ECOWAS sanctions, initiated after the July coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, as a violation of international humanitarian law. In an interview in Maiduguri, he stated his disapproval of the punitive measures that are causing hardship to innocent citizens, including cutting off power supply, restricting free movement, and hindering the supply of food, fuel, and water to Niger Republic. He argued that these actions not only harm Nigeriens but also impact Nigerian internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Niger and the Nigerian states bordering Niger.
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While disapproving of the military coup in Niger, Senator Ndume advocated for a negotiated solution with the coup leaders to release Mohamed Bazoum and restore power to the democratically elected government. He highlighted the shared cultural and linguistic ties between Nigeria and Niger, emphasizing the historical support extended by the Niger government during the Biafran war.
Senator Ndume urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the sanctions promptly, focusing on the humanitarian needs of the affected people. He called for a lifting of the sanctions and suggested engaging the junta through Nigerian former heads of state for diplomatic resolution.
