Tinubu uses UN address to request international support for his Niger Republic plans

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has called on members of the United Nations to support his plans to re-establish constitutional order in neighbouring Niger Republic following the July coup in the country that overthrew the democratically elected government.

On July 26, officers of the Nigerien presidential guard arrested President Mohammed Bazoum in the Niger Republic capital Niamey and declared him deposed. In response, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), met in Abuja and introduced sanctions against the regime, suspending it and freezing Niger Republic's assets.

Ecowas leaders, led by Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, gave the generals a one-week ultimatum to restore constitutional order. However, the junta has refused to back down and a stalemate has since ensued with both sides threatening military action if provoked, with the international community powerless to intervene.

Using his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to address the matter, President Tinubu. the current Ecowas chairman, welcomed any support for the process. He made it clear that Ecowas is ready to deploy troops to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.

President Tinubu said: "The wave of military coups across parts of Africa does not demonstrate a favour towards them but is a demand for solutions to perennial problems. Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders and as chairman of Ecowas I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region."

In August a decision by Ecowas to activate a standby force for a possible intervention raised fears of war in the West African Sahel region. Last month, the military regime in Niger Republic ordered its armed forces to go on highest alert, citing an increased threat of attack.