CAN urges ECOWAS to explore dialogue not military intervention in Niger
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has beckoned on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to keep exploring dialogue in resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.
CAN President, Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Thursday also warned ECOWAS against opting for military intervention in Niger Republic while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s diplomatic approach so far.
“We commend the leadership of ECOWAS for their unwavering commitment to discouraging coup d’états and the forceful takeover of power,” Okoh said.
The CAN president appealed to all stakeholders to embrace peaceful negotiations, exercise restraint and tirelessly work towards a sustainable resolution of the crisis in Niger.
“As an organisation deeply committed to promoting justice, peace, and harmony, CAN urges His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to remain on the path of dialogue and avoid any form of military intervention or measures that would create enmity between the good people of Nigeria and Niger,” the statement read.
“We firmly believe that the path to lasting peace lies in upholding democratic processes, respecting the sovereignty of nations, and engaging in peaceful dialogue to address grievances and resolve conflicts.”
The chairperson of ECOWAS, President Tinubu on Thursday said the regional bloc will continue to champion diplomacy and dialogue, as well as earnest discussions with all parties involved, to restore constitutional governance in the Republic of Niger.
The ECOWAS Authority chairperson spoke in Abuja at the opening of the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Niger.
This is following the expiration of the deadline given to the military junta to relinquish power in Niger.
He urged the regional bloc to engage the coup leaders in Niger to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum when he declared open the ECOWAS second extraordinary session in Abuja.
“In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.
“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum.
“It is our duty to exhaust all avenues of engagement to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger.”
Underscoring the significance of the meeting, President Tinubu stressed the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of progress thus far.
“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognize that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region,” Tinubu said.
“By remaining steadfast in our adherence to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, we can restore peace, stability, and prosperity in the Republic of Niger, thereby fostering an environment conducive to growth and development for all.”
