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Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against military action in the restoration of democratic order in Niger Republic.
Atiku, in a statement he personally signed in Abuja on Thursday, said the best solution to the crisis in Niger is a sustained diplomatic approach.
He said that though there is a global attention on Nigeria in order to quickly restore order in the country, this must be done with extreme caution.
Atiku said, “Of course, the world expects Nigeria to take up leadership in ensuring that the crisis of political leadership in the Republic of Niger is not just curtailed but also ensuring the restoration of democratic governance in that country.
“As the ECOWAS continues to work towards reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger, it must be reinforced that the regional body should not travel the road of military hostilities that may exacerbate the situation.
“The crisis in the Republic of Niger requires diplomatic engagement, and that must mean that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained.”
Niger has gone into crisis after the head of the country’s presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, overthrew President Mohammed Bazoum and declared himself head of state.
Since then ECOWAS, under the new leadership of President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, has taken some actions against Niger, cutting off bilateral relationship with the country. The West African body is also planning a military action against the country if democracy is not restored immediately.
However, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea have warned that any military action against Niger military junta, will be an attack on them, causing rumours and fear of war in West Africa.