On Thursday, August 10, 2023, Heads of state in the West African sub-region began an emergency summit in Abuja, Nigeria
The meeting, dubbed, the 2nd ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, is to discuss a new response to last month’s military takeover in Niger after the coup leaders defied the earlier threat to use force to restore democracy.
Since the military takeover on July 26, 2023, the coup plotters have refused to relinquish power and release detained President Mohamed Bazoum. The August 6 deadline from ECOWAS to reinstate Bazoum was ignored.
The summit began hours after the coup leaders named a 21-member cabinet which will be headed by Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, a civilian.
In an opening speech at the summit, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is the current ECOWAS Chair, told the West African leaders that their attendance, despite the short notice, demonstrates their unwavering dedication to finding a lasting solution to the political situation in Niger.
Tinubu noted that the gathering builds upon the commitments made during the first Extraordinary Summit.
Also, Tinubu expressed regret that all the efforts made so far to get the coup plotters in Niger to restore former President Mohammed Bazoum has failed to yield the desired results.
“As you may recall, we called on the junta to rescind its decision of toppling a legitimate government. We proceeded to impose sanctions with the hope that this resolute measure would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the constitutional order in Niger.
“Regrettably, the seven-day ultimatum we issued during the first Summit has not yielded the desired outcome.”
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
He disclosed that the bloc has made diligent efforts through the deployment of various ECOWAS mediation teams, to engage the military junta for a peaceful resolution of the political situation, adding that former Head of State of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who is one of the facilitators, would update the gathering on the outcome of his mission to Niamey
Stating that the summit provides a significant opportunity to meticulously review and assess the progress made since their last gathering, Tinubu stressed, “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.”
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu Emphasizes Need For Diplomatic Negotiations And Dialogue
Moreso, the ECOWAS Chair declared that it was imperative that the group prioritizes diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of their approach in solving the issue at hand.
“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.”
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Furthermore, Tinubu noted that the Nigerien crisis not only affects 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.”
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
He also expressed confidence that the summit will be a defining moment in the bloc’s journey towards a stronger, more resilient, and integrated West Africa.
Concluding his speech, Tinubu urged that the leaders “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.”
READ ALSO: Niger Coup: It Is A Worry To Many Of Us- Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo
