Diplomacy is the ‘best way forward’ in Niger, military force still on table – Tinubu

Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has not completely dismissed the notion of military intervention in Niger. However, he firmly believes that diplomacy offers the most constructive path to address the crisis, as articulated by his spokesperson on Tuesday.

Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, clarified that while all options remain on the table, regional leaders in West Africa lean toward diplomatic solutions. The United States remains hopeful but acknowledges the challenge of reversing the coup at this juncture.

“No options have been taken off of the table,” he said but West African leaders favour diplomacy.

In his first public statement since the coup in Niger, where soldiers disregarded ECOWAS’ ultimatum to reinstate the elected president Mohamed Bazoum or face potential force, Bola Tinubu expressed his views. Amid ongoing negotiations with Niger’s new leadership by both ECOWAS and the United States, there has been no breakthrough ahead of a crisis summit scheduled for Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria.

ECOWAS took decisive action, imposing trade and financial sanctions on Niger following the military’s takeover of power. The bloc issued a seven-day ultimatum for the restoration of President Bazoum, which was met with defiance by the coup leaders.

On the 26th of July, the soldiers who seized control in Niamey blocked a mission by ECOWAS in the lead-up to the summit. Citing public “anger” triggered by ECOWAS sanctions, the coup leaders expressed concerns for the safety of the delegation.