Benin has underscored the importance of diplomatic channels in addressing the crisis sparked by the military coup in Niger. The country’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, emphasized that diplomacy remains the preferred solution for managing the situation and called for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Bazoum.
Minister Bakari expressed unwavering support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in resolving the ongoing crisis. He stated that Benin fully endorses the diplomatic actions being pursued by ECOWAS and emphasized that his country stands ready to engage actively in any actions undertaken by the regional bloc.
While ECOWAS, under the leadership of Nigeria, has imposed stringent sanctions on Niamey, it has also dispatched a delegation to engage with the junta representatives to reinforce its stance. Minister Bakari highlighted that President Bazoum is the recognized leader by ECOWAS, the African Union, and the international community, and urged for his immediate reinstatement.
In response to the crisis, ECOWAS convened a meeting of the general chiefs of staff from member states in Abuja to discuss the situation in Niger. Several West African countries, including Senegal, have expressed readiness to deploy troops if ECOWAS decides to intervene. However, coup leaders in Niger have vowed to resist such intervention.
Niger’s neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by military juntas following previous coups in recent years, have offered support to the military leaders in Niamey. These countries, currently suspended from ECOWAS, present a complex dynamic in the region’s response to the crisis.
Benin’s advocacy for diplomacy underscores the critical role of peaceful negotiations and international collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by the military coup in Niger. As the situation unfolds, regional stability and the restoration of democratic governance remain paramount concerns for ECOWAS and its member states.
