The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) urges President Bola Tinubu to lift sanctions on Niger Republic post-coup.
Niger’s democratically elected President was ousted, prompting ECOWAS sanctions and military intervention discussions.
NEF’s convener, Ango Abdullahi, emphasizes that using force may not restore constitutional order. He suggests easing sanctions for better negotiations.
The statement reads:
“NEF had chosen to observe events and reactions in Niger Republic since the coup d’etat in that country a few weeks ago,” Abdullahi said.
“Our decision to watch and refrain from open comments was informed by a number of reasons.
“We joined millions of Nigerians and Africans in rejecting in totality any attempt to overthrow the constitutional order by the Nigerien military.
“Nigerians had been encouraged by a number of visits from Nigeria to Niger Republic. Which suggested that the diplomatic option is open. And that Nigeria has the potential to influence developments in Niger.
“Nigeria should remove all sanctions and other measures intended to force the government and people of Niger into acquiescence.
“This will make negotiations led by Nigeria, using all assets that both countries value, easier to conduct.
“The use of force against Niger should be ruled out.
“It is unlikely to achieve the goals of restoring the constitutional order and improving the frontiers of democratic systems in West Africa. It will compound the security and humanitarian crises in the ECOWAS region.”
He also appealed to Tinubu, residents of Nigeria and Niger Republic to resist any attempt to poison centuries of good relationship.
“NEF commends all leaders and persons of influence, including the Nigerian senate, who are contributing to a genuine resolution of the situation in Niger Republic,” he said.
“We urge President Tinubu to recognise this unique moment in history. And conduct himself in a manner that it records his role as defining statesmanship.
“We appeal to the people of Nigeria and Niger to resist any attempt to poison our centuries of relationship.”