ECOWAS rejects any ‘action that impedes’ Niger Republic’s democracy

Ibrahim Umar
Kanempress
26th, July,2023

President Bola Tinubu, the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has condemned in strong term the unfolding developments in Niger Republic and vowed not to tolerate any actions against the country’s democratically-elected government.

Niger Republic President, Mohamed Bazoum, is being detained by members of the Presidential Guard, who have been given an “ultimatum” by the army.

According to reports, disgruntled members of the guard sealed off access to the president’s residence and offices, and after talks broke down, they refused to release the president.

In response to Bazoum’s detainment, Tinubu said in a statement on Wednesday that the ECOWAS is closely monitoring the situation and developments in the Niger Republic.

Tinubu stated that the ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

He also noted that the ECOWAS leadership and “all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situations that incapacitate the democratically-elected government of the country.”

The ECOWAS chairman added that the commission will do everything within its powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well-rooted and thrives in its region.

“I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism,” Tinubu stated.

“Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order.”