NIGER | Ultimatum Expires - West African States cautioned against any immediate use of military action in Niger

ABUJA, Nigeria, August 6, 2023 - With today’s expiry of the 7-day deadline given by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the military Junta in Niger to restore democracy to that troubled country,  ECOWAS has been cautioned against the use of immediate military action in that country.

The Alumni Association of the National Institute of Nigeria (AANI), an organization of senior graduates of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, while expressing support for the restoration of democracy in Niger, has cautioned against immediate military action.

The organization said ECOWAS should consider the immediate and long-term implications of its actions on the people of the Republic and the wider West African sub-region.

“AANI strongly condemns the military seizure of power in the Niger Republic. It supports the efforts of ECOWAS’ towards restoring democracy in the West African country ", the Institute said.

“Addressing the root causes of the political crisis in the Niger Republic and strengthening the democratic institutions in the country is vital to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. AANI, therefore, urges caution against immediate military action.

Spokesman for  AANI, Brigadier Gen Sani Usman (retired), in a statement said the Military action by ECOWAS may escalate the current situation into a humanitarian crisis and worsen the security challenges in the West African sub-region.

‘Instead, non-military options like diplomatic pressure, and economic sanctions should be adopted towards a peaceful resolution and a quicker return to democratic governance in the Niger Republic.

He said it may also escalate tensions in the fragile security situation in the Lake Chad region and other parts of West Africa, attracting other armed groups and external actors to take advantage of it.

“This would exacerbate the security challenges and create a more complex and dangerous situation. It is, therefore, essential to prioritise peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the political crisis.

“ECOWAS should upscale diplomatic efforts to persuade the military leaders in Niger to relinquish power and allow the democratically elected government to reclaim the people’s mandate.

“By avoiding military intervention, ECOWAS would have demonstrated commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability.

“AANI believes that finding durable solutions to the prevailing political crisis in Niger Republic lies in prioritising the well-being of the civilian population and upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and regional cooperation within ECOWAS.

“Its only through peaceful means that ECOWAS can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Niger Republic and the broader West African community,” he said.

The Alumni Association of the National Institute of Nigeria (AANI) is an organization of the graduates of the Senior Excutive Course (SEC) of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru.

Through its network of highly qualified and experienced professionals from diverse fields, AANI fosters a collaborative approach towards addressing key challenges in the country, offering valuable insights and expertise to shape effective policies that promote social, economic, and political development in Nigeria.

By drawing upon the knowledge and expertise of its members, AANI serves as a significant platform for thoughtful leadership and strategic thinking, facilitating dialogue and cooperation between government, academia, and private sectors.