Nigeria’s Chief Of Defence Staff Urges ECOWAS To Restore Niger’s Democracy

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staffs, General Musa Christopher has stated that member countries are tasked with a mission to restore democracy in the Republic of Niger and to preserve germane humanitarian principles across the region.

General Musa called for a collective attention and a united response of member countries to the political sitution in Niger Republic.

He made the call in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital at the extraordinary meeting of the Committee of the Chiefs of Defense Staff, CCDS of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS which was convened in response to the recent events in the Republic of Niger.

The meeting of the ECOWAS Defence Chiefs is a fall out of the final communique from the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS’ Extraordinary Session in Abuja on 30 Jul 2023.

General Musa therefore pointed that ECOWAS members must face the challenges of restoring democratic governance in Niger head-on, while drawing on shared experiences, wisdom, and collective resolve.

He said ECOWAS’ strength lies in its unity, shared values, commitment to democracy, peace, and prosperity, therefore, decisions taken at the meeting would inevitably shape the lives of millions of people around the sub-continent.

“ECOWAS has been resolute in its stand against any form of illegal takeover of power, as enshrined in the 2001 Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. It is this principle that compels us to convene today and address the current situation in Niger.

“The political instability in Niger is a source of grave concern for us all. It threatens our shared vision of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa, a vision that is impossible to achieve amidst political upheavals and disruptions to constitutional order.

“Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to deliberate on this issue and chart a course towards resolution, in accordance with the principles of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.

“We are not oblivious to the complex challenges that lie ahead. Our decisions will send a strong message about our commitment to democracy, our intolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, and our dedication to regional stability.

“Let us also remember the people of Niger, who are the most affected by the current situation. Our actions should be guided by their interests and wellbeing. It is our responsibility to ensure that their voices are not silenced, their rights are not trampled upon, and their aspirations for a peaceful and democratic country are not dashed,” stated General Musa.

Also speaking at the meeting of the Heads of Military in West Africa, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, said there was need for ECOWAS to demonstrate that it can go beyond barking to bitting.

He described the return of military coups in the region as a worrisome development while expressing appreciation to Nigeria and the Multinational Joint Task Force for degrading the terrorists who have now been restricted to survival tactics.

“There is need to operationalize ecowas standby force to confront terrorism that is defining the landscape of the region, the Defence Chiefs have been the driving force behind this as we are confronted by issues such as Asymmetric environment, the return od the military coups with about nine successesful and non successeses coups, Terrorism is also cascading in the region.

“Nigeria is a regional leader and without it the region can not overcome its challenges hence the massive welcome of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as ECOWAS leader. As a memeber of an organisation who sign to the security document and ECOWAS Protocol, the regional body must ensure that issues are resolved. The heads of states have said nothing is off the table when the days given elapse, so far the diplomatic aspect which is the preferred option is in motion and Military action is always the last option,” Ambassador Abdel-Fatau added

Confidence Okwuchi