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Military Action in Niger still under consideration – Presidency

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Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, emphasized the commitment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinstating democratic governance in Niger Republic.

In an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday evening, Ngelale responded to concerns about the junta in Niger defying the ECOWAS deadline. The regional body had warned of potential forceful action if the junta failed to comply with the deadline, which had lapsed on Sunday.

Ngelale dismissed speculative narratives regarding ECOWAS’ ability to restore stability in Niger. He pointed to the bloc’s imposition of additional sanctions on the landlocked West African nation as evidence of its focus on diplomacy before considering the use of force as a last resort.

As ECOWAS chairperson, Tinubu had previously urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to apply financial sanctions to individuals and entities supporting the military junta in Niger.

Ngelale stated, “Let’s be clear, a resolute ultimatum was established based on a mandate supported by longstanding ECOWAS protocols. The heads of state within ECOWAS will steadfastly uphold these protocols. We are unwavering in our commitment to adhering to ECOWAS guidelines concerning the unconstitutional overthrow of governmental order in any member state.”

He continued, “Our determination lies in ensuring the continuity of civilian democratic governance across the continent for the betterment, security, and progress of the countries within it. We reject the oversimplified binary narrative propagated by certain international media that suggests either direct intervention or a lack of seriousness. We do not embrace this simplistic viewpoint.”

Ngelale explained that multiple strategies are in play to achieve the desired outcome of reinstating civilian democratic rule under President Bazoum’s leadership, as elected by the people of Niger Republic. While military intervention remains an option, it is not the sole focus.

“Although military intervention remains on the table,” Ngelale concluded, “we are resolute in leveraging all available tools within our regional capacity to realize our objective.”

ECOWAS is set to convene on Thursday to strategize its next steps. However, recent diplomatic efforts have faced setbacks. The Niger Republic junta declined a tripartite peace mission involving ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN), which aimed to restore constitutional order following the July 26 coup.

ECOWAS confirmed this rejection, citing a late-night communication from Niger’s military authorities as the reason for the aborted diplomatic overtures. Despite these challenges, ECOWAS remains determined to employ all available means to restore constitutional order in Niger, as mandated by their recent Extraordinary Summit.

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