ECOWAS chairman, Bola Tinubu on Thursday said ‘no option taken is off the table’ on Niger coup, as leaders of the regional body ended their meeting in Abuja.
ECOWAS leaders met in Abuja to strategise on how to resolve the crisis rocking Niger Republic after junta toppled an elected government.
Tinubu closed the emergency summit on the crisis in Niger saying “no option had been taken off the table”, including the use of force.
However, ECOWAS has ordered the activation of its standby force over a coup in Niger on July 26, according to a communique read out at the end of the regional summit.
Earlier, Tinubu said ECOWAS should champion diplomatic negotiations and dialogue to resolve the crisis in Niger Republic in a bid to restore democracy.
According to him, “In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.
“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.”
He said it was regrettable that the seven-day ultimatum issued during the first Summit had not yielded the desired outcome, as well as other moves made by the body to get the junta restore democratic governance.
The Nigerian president stated that, as leaders of their respective nations, they must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only posed a threat to 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,” he said.
