Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Defence Chiefs on Friday said there should be comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions in addressing the situation in Niger Republic.
The Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) countries made this known at the end of their three-day Extra Ordinary Meeting, in Abuja.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and President of the committee, Gen. Christopher Musa, commended ECOWAS for standing firm for democracy, adding that the militaries of the member countries were firmly in support of their stand.
He said that the committee collectively recognised the gravity of the situation in Niger and the urgent need for a well coordinated response.
Musa added that they also examined the immediate implication of the coup and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region.
“We have also deliberated on the broader implication for democracy, peace and stability in West Africa and pleased to note that our discussions have yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations.
“We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions.
“It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.
“Democracy is what we stand for and democracy is what we will sustain,” he said.
Musa said the military chiefs agreed that there was no alternative democratic principles and rule of law in the region, adding that the coup in Niger represented blatant disregard for the fundamental principles that underpin regional integration and stability.
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According him, the meeting recognised the fact that the coup in Niger highlighted the fragility of the region.
The CDS said the meeting urged member states to hasten the implementation of the recommendations and translate them into tangible actions for quick solutions to the situation in Niger.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, commended the military chiefs for taking time to produce a concept of operation for an eventual military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger.
Musah said that all the elements that would go into any intervention had been worked out and were being refined, including the timing, resources needed and how, where and when to deploy such force.
He said that ECOWAS being a rule-based institution was determined to put an end to the military coup contagion in the region.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said that Nigeria was committed to restoring democracy in Niger, but said military option would be the last resort.
“Military option is the last option but the President has directed us, the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to come together with other ECOWAS members,” he said.
Countries represented at the meeting included Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Gambia, Cote Devoir, Cape Verde and Benin while Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso were absent. (NAN)
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