The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to refrain from using force to oust the Republic of Niger putschists. In a statement by Murtala Aliyu, the secretary general of the ACF, the forum condemned the coup and called for the restoration of democratic governance in Niger. However, it advised ECOWAS to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the current impasse in the country.
The ACF emphasized the historical ties and mutual interests between Nigeria and Niger, with a long historical border and shared facilities, cultural bonds, and languages. It urged the regional bloc to consider the consequences of using force and prioritize peaceful coexistence with Niger as a brotherly neighbor, as well as the stability of the ECOWAS region.
While recognizing ECOWAS’ efforts to pressure the coupists, the Arewa group asserted that military intervention should not be a prerequisite for enthroning democracy in the region. It emphasized the importance of sustaining ECOWAS as a functional regional economic cooperation on the continent and cautioned against potential negative impacts on Nigeria’s leadership and future relations with the regional body if military action is taken.
ECOWAS had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerien military to restore constitutional order and reinstate ousted President Muhammed Bazoum into office. The bloc imposed land and border closures, suspending all commercial flights between Niger and ECOWAS member states, and indicated that measures, including the use of force, may be taken to restore constitutional order.
In response, President Bola Tinubu dispatched a delegation led by former Nigerian military head, Abdulsalami Abubakar, to Niamey to resolve the political impasse in the country. Another delegation led by Babagana Kingibe was sent to engage with the leaders of Libya and Algeria on the Niger crisis. The president emphasized that the concern is for democracy and regional peace, and the delegations aim to pursue diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
