Niger: Interference in democracy not acceptable to ECOWAS — Tinubu

By Usman ahmed kanempress

15 august 2023

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says any interference in democratic governance would not be accepted by the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said this on Tuesday.

President Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, praised the solidarity of the Economic Community of Central African States on the political impasse in the Republic of Niger.

According to the Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu made the statement at the State House in Abuja when he received the Special Envoy of President Ali Ondimba and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Gabon, Hermann Immongault.

President Tinubu said the special message of support and solidarity from President Bongo, who doubles as the Chairman of ECCAS, expressing the full support of ECOWAS resolutions on the unconstitutional takeover of government in Niger, proved once more that military interference in democratic governance is not acceptable anywhere, and certainly, no longer so on the African continent.

“I appreciate the solidarity and support of President Bongo on the situation in Niger,” President Tinubu stated.

“We are working not to compound the problem. We have well-meaning people who have intervened,” the President noted.

“I understand the fear of our people on any form of military action. We are working to keep the sanctions in place and we are following them to the letter,” President Tinubu said.

“We are happy to know that ECCAS is with us on this. Interference in democratic governance is not acceptable to ECOWAS,” he said.

Tinubu emphasized the position of ECOWAS of not accepting any attempt by the military junta in Niger to intimidate and harass President Mohamed Bazoum.

“We will work with ECCAS and keep President Bongo informed on our actions and we will continue to collaborate,” President Tinubu assured.

In his remarks, the Special Envoy commended the leadership of ECOWAS and President Tinubu for the steps taken so far to restore democracy in Niger, and that President Bongo and ECCAS are fully in support of all ECOWAS resolutions.

“President Bongo has been following your efforts and those of other ECOWAS leaders on the situation in Niger. President Bongo and ECCAS strongly condemn the coup in Niger,” the special envoy said.

“He sent me here to tell you that he supports ECOWAS and your leadership in what you are doing to ensure democratic governance is restored in Niger,” he said.

“With Boko Haram attacks in Cameroon, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and the refugee situation in Chad, whatever happens in West Africa affects Central Africa. My President joins efforts with you and ECOWAS to find a solution to the crisis in ECOWAS,” the envoy stated.

The Special Envoy said that he will communicate the solidarity between ECCAS and ECOWAS to the military authorities in the Reublic of Niger in the coming days.