Nigeria urges ECOWAS to look for diplomatic solutions to the crisis in Niger

To resolve the crisis in Niger, it is necessary to look for diplomatic ways, according to the Senate (upper house of parliament) of Nigeria. This was stated by the Chairman of the Parliament of the country Godsville Akpabio, transmits Bloomberg.

“The Senate called on ECOWAS leaders to strengthen their political and diplomatic capabilities and other means to break the political impasse,” Akpabio said. It is noted that the approval of the Senate is required for military intervention in Niger.

On August 4, Reuters, citing ECOWAS Commissioner for Peace and Security (it includes 15 states of the region) Abdel-Fataw Musakh informedthat the heads of the West African defense establishments have developed a plan for a possible military intervention to stop the coup in Niger. The commissioner clarified that the organization is not going to disclose the details of the plan, the decision on further actions regarding Niger will be made by the leaders of the countries of the community.

The day before, on 3 August, an ECOWAS delegation traveled to Niger in search of a “peaceful solution.” A source close to Reuters told Reuters that there had been no progress at the meeting with the rebels at the airport. On August 4, Al Arabiya TV channel, citing a statement by ECOWAS defense ministers, reported that the organization had renounced the use of force, but decided to increase sanctions against Niger.

On July 27, the Niger military announced the removal of President Mohamed Bazum and the closure of the country’s borders. The rebels allegedly explained their actions by the deterioration of security, economic and social problems.

On July 30, ECOWAS warned of the possible use of force if the rebels did not restore constitutional order in the country within a week and release the ousted president. The Kremlin expressed concern about the situation in Niger. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow stands for the speedy restoration of the rule of law in the country and for “restraint on all sides so that this does not lead to human casualties.”