Niger: Atiku Cautions Against Military Engagement, Advocates Dialogue

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has warned against the resort to military intervention over the military coup in the Republic of Niger which he said has created tension across the West Africa sub-region.

He said the development which has caused international attention to the region, said the situation requires diplomatic engagements, and that channels for dialogue should be well sustained.

Atiku, in a statement, said “The putsch is even more worrisome because the number of states that have witnessed military intervention in the last three years in the subregion is increasing.

“Of course, the world expects Nigeria to take up leadership in ensuring that the crisis of political leadership in the Republic of Niger is not just curtailed but also ensuring the restoration of democratic governance in that country.”

He said while the expectations that fall on Nigeria as the sub-regional leader is not a quick fix, he noted that the role taken so far by the Economic Community of West African States has been commendable.

“As the ECOWAS continues to work towards reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger, it must be reinforced that the regional body should not travel the road of military hostilities that may exacerbate the status quo.

“The crisis in the Republic of Niger requires diplomatic engagements, and that must mean that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained.

“While the world expects Nigeria to take a leading role in this process of peaceful conflict resolution, it must be clear to the military insurrectionists in the Republic of Niger that the world cannot afford to wait for too long before this crisis is resolved reasonably.

“This is undoubtedly a challenging time for the West African region. However, any actions taken towards the prompt resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger must prioritize democracy as the ultimate victor,” he said.