The Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff from ECOWAS countries has emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving political, security, and diplomatic dimensions to address the situation in Niger Republic. Following their three-day Extraordinary Meeting in Abuja, the military chiefs recognized the urgency of a well-coordinated response to the crisis, aiming to uphold democracy and stability in the region.
The meeting highlighted the gravity of the situation and its potential ripple effects, underlining the importance of a united effort to prevent a recurrence. The military chiefs also urged strengthening regional security architecture and diplomatic engagement while emphasizing the unwavering commitment to democracy.
The CDS said the meeting urged member States to hasten the implementation of the recommendations and translate them into tangible actions for quick solutions to the situation in Niger. “Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact and ensure that the Republic of Niger and the entire region can progress on the path of democracy, peace, and stability.
“I urge you all to prioritize the implementation of recommendations that have been put forth during our deliberations. “This requires a concerted effort and a sense of urgency. We must allocate the necessary resources, engage relevant stakeholders, and monitor progress to ensure that our decisions have a tangible impact on the ground,” he added.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, commended the military chiefs for taking time to produce a concept of operation for an eventual military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger. Musah said that all the elements that would go into any intervention had been worked out and were being refined, including the timing, resources needed and how, where and when to deploy such force.
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He said that ECOWAS being a rule-based institution was determined to put an end to the military coup contagion in the region. “But first, we are giving diplomacy every chance to succeed and there have been multiple approaches to the military Junta in Niger. “The results of whatever has been achieved here will be presented very soon to the Heads of Central Government who will have the last say as to what we are going to do with regard to the situation in the Republic of Niger, provided that all diplomatic overtures do not yield result.
“So, I want to, through this medium also appeal to the military in Niger to give peace a chance, and then think about their populations and do the right thing by immediately restoring constitutional order in their country. “That is our message to them and if they don’t, then we will make them hand over to civilian authorities and that is the determination of ECOWAS and we want to send that message clearly across to all of them,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said that Nigeria was committed to restoring democracy in Niger, but said military option would be the last resort. “Military option is the last option but the President has directed us, the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to come together with other ECOWAS members,” he said.
Countries represented at the meeting included Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Gambia, Cote Devoir, Cape Verde and Benin while Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso were absent.
