Following unsuccessful peace negotiations, Niger Republic has decided to sever diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
In a recent turn of events, the graceful bonds between Niger Republic and Nigeria have been unfortunately severed by military junta’s of Niger Republic, as the tireless efforts of Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to mend the ongoing impasse have regrettably proven unsuccessful.
Ecowas Extends Helping Hand to Ensure Peaceful Resolution for President Mohamed Bazoum!
In a remarkable display of diplomacy and compassion, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has firmly called for a timely resolution regarding the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum.
On July 26, 2023, an unexpected twist of fate unfolded as the former leader, Mohamed Bazoum, found himself in the custody of the presidential guard.
In a groundbreaking announcement that same night, the military declared their seizure of power.
Two days later after forcefully removing the governmental administration of Bazoum, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, commander of Niger’s presidential guard, declared himself the head of a transitional government.
The US is backing ECOWAS, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, to bring back Bazoum.
US President Joe Biden released a statement on Thursday, urging for Bazoum’s prompt release.
Biden emphasized the importance of defending democratic values, upholding constitutional order, justice, and the right to peaceful assembly; all essential for the partnership between Niger and the US.
“I call for President Bazoum and his family to be immediately released, and for the preservation of Niger’s hard earned democracy”.
“The United States stands with the people of Niger to honor our decades long partnership rooted in shared democratic values and support for civilian led governance”, he said in a statement.
Recognizing the potential tensions of the matter between the junta and the rightful leader could result to, President Bola tinubu summoned a high powered delegation of esteemed individuals to engage with the leaders of the recent coup in the country.
The delegation led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), found themselves exclusively engaging with the junta’s representatives, leaving others on the sidelines.
After a failed dialogue, Niger cuts off ties with Nigeria, Togo, France, it’s colonisers and the United States.
“The functions of the extraordinary and pleinpotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Niger” to France, Nigeria, Togo and the United States are terminated”, Radio France international quoted one of the Putschist to have said on National TV.
On the other hand, Nigeria President Bola Tinubu, also the head of ECOWAS has sanctioned the Niger Republic;
“Suspended every commercial and financial transactions, freezing the assets of the Putschist, stopped power supply from Nigeria to the republic of Niger, “Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger republic and reactivating of border drilling exercise, mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of ECOWAS communique ”
On Wednesday last week, the Word bank was the first international organization to announce that it has suspended aid to Niger, “other than private sector partnerships”.
In a letter that President Tinubu wrote, it reads;
“Political situation in Niger. Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrown of it’s president, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected govt in a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique”
The president, Tinubu, further sought support for, ” Military buildup and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should the remain recalcitrant”.
Junta-ruled Mali and Burkina Faso in response to this regard have warned any military intervention in their neighbor would be tantamount to a “declaration of War” against them.
Russia on Wednesday called for “urgent national dialogue” in Niger and warned that threats of intervention “will not help ease the tensions or calm the domestic situation”.
In the midst of rising tensions, several European nations have safely repatriated their citizens from Niger.
Ecowas has gracefully extended a 7-day ultimatum to diffuse the situation and pave the way for a peaceful transition.
CONCLUSION
By setting this ultimatum, ECOWAS hopes to provide ample time for meaningful dialogue, where all involved parties can come to a consensus that honors the democratic process. With a strong sense of purpose, ECOWAS remains dedicated to ensuring a fair and just resolution, without resorting to violent clashes that could endanger the well-being of the people.
Behind the scenes, diligent efforts are being made by ECOWAS to facilitate open communication channels and promote a spirit of understanding between all stakeholders. Working tirelessly, ECOWAS hopes to create an environment where the concerns of the junta and President Mohamed Bazoum’s allies can be addressed, providing a platform for dialogue and compromise.
Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here
You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com
