A group, the Alumni Association of the National Institute has called for diplomatic approach instead of military intervention in resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger following Sunday’s expiration of ECOWAS deadline.
The National Publicity Secretary of AANI, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja
The association strongly condemns the military seizure of power in Niger, supporting the efforts of ECOWAS’ towards restoring democracy in the West African country.
He, then enjoined ECOWAS to consider the immediate and long-term implications of its actions on the people of Niger and the wider West African sub-region.
He said significant way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is to get to the root cause of political crisis in Niger and strengthening democratic institutions in the country
“AANI, therefore, urges caution against immediate military action.
“Instead non-military options like diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions should be adopted towards a peaceful resolution and a quicker return to democratic governance in Niger Republic,” he said.
AANI said military action by ECOWAS may worsen the current situation into a humanitarian crisis and increase the security challenges in the West African sub-region.
Usman said that military option might also escalate tensions in the Lake Chad region and other parts of West Africa, attracting other armed groups and external actors to take advantage.
“This would exacerbate the security challenges and create a more complex and dangerous situation.
“It is, therefore, essential to prioritise peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the political crisis,” he said.
The AANI spokesman called on ECOWAS to upscale diplomatic efforts to persuade the military leaders in Niger to relinquish power and allow the democratically elected government to reclaim the people’s mandate.
He asserted that by deploying diplomatic approach instead of military intervention, ECOWAS would have showed commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability.
