Nigeria has warned against the use of force to resolve political disputes in Niger Republic following reports of an attempted coup by soldiers within the country’s military.
Gunfire and explosions were heard in several parts of Niamey, Niger’s capital, early Saturday as attackers targeted Diori Hamani International Airport.
The airport houses an air force base and a major military installation and is located about 10 kilometres from the presidential palace.
The assailants reportedly also attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.
It was the third attack on the airport this year.
In a statement on Sunday, Spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said; “Nigeria was concerned about the political and security situation in Niger.”
Adeniyi said; “Nigeria hoped for peace, security, democracy and development in the neighbouring country.”
He said Nigeria, as a country sharing close historical, fraternal and cultural ties with Niger, was keen to see peace, security, democracy and development restored in the country.
Adeniyi said that a peaceful, secure and stable Niger would have a positive and direct impact on Nigeria, the sub-region and the Sahel.
“Any resort to the use of force to settle political differences detracts from this objective,” he said in the statement.
Nigeria urged the Nigerien authorities to work towards an “inclusive and participatory” return to stability and constitutional order in the interest of regional peace.
NP
