The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has kicked against coup attempt in Niger Republic, noting that member nations will not accept any form of undemocratic government in West Africa.
President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger was said to be held hostage by soldiers and was denied access to his office and residence — likely signs of a possible coup d’état.
In a message he personally signed and issued on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Chairman said there were unpleasant reports of an attempt to destabilize the elected government of Niger Republic adding that this would be accepted.
He said: “Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country’s highest political leadership.
“It should be quite clear to all players in the Republic of Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country.
“The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.”
President Tinubu emphasized that the leadership of ECOWAS is monitoring developments in the Niger Republic and will ensure that democracy continues to succeed in that country and the entire region of West Africa.
“I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrive in our 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.
“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order,” the ECOWAS Chairman concluded.
