ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Following a military coup and detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) receives robust international support in its mission to reinstate constitutional order in Niger Republic.
In separate telephone conversations with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday evening in Abuja, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, and United Nations’ Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, express unwavering support for ECOWAS’ efforts to restore constitutional governance in the Republic of Niger.
The two world leaders commend President Tinubu, who chairs the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, for spearheading the peacekeeping initiatives.
Harris, calling on behalf of the US authorities, also lauds the reform initiatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria, urging the nation to persist in that direction.
According to a statement by Mr. Dele Alake, Special Adviser to Nigeriaās President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, the soldiers from the Presidential Guard attempted to depose President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday.
President Tinubu rapidly rejected this threat to democracy in Niger and promptly dispatched a high-level delegation to engage all parties involved with the aim of restoring constitutional order.
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Vice President Harris pledges support for democracy across Africa, including the West African sub-region, and assures Nigeria of US assistance in combating terrorism.
Harris also emphasizes the importance of embracing energy transitions in Africa, including Nigeria.
In response, President Tinubu expresses gratitude for Harris’ telephone call and words of encouragement regarding economic efforts but conveys concern over the developments in Niger Republic.
Tinubu assures that ECOWAS, under his leadership, will take all necessary measures to restore democracy in Niger, while relying on the support of the US.
Regarding Nigeria, President Tinubu appeals for increased private sector investment, urging the US to lead the way in this regard.
Tinubu highlights the necessity of attracting foreign direct investment to counter the effects of fuel subsidy removal and to utilize the country’s abundant gas resources, including funding gas pipelines to Europe.
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On climate change, Tinubu affirms Nigeria’s commitment to alternative energy and calls for developed nations to understand the challenges faced by developing countries, including Africa.
The two leaders also discuss strengthening relations between their respective countries and their shared efforts on global and regional issues.
During the approximately 40-minute discussions, topics such as defending democracy in West Africa and The Sahel, as well as digital inclusion, were also addressed.
President Tinubu assures UN Secretary-General Guterres of his dedication to resolving the impasse in Niger and seeks the UN’s support in restoring democracy and building institutions in the country.
Guterres pledges the UN’s commitment to President Tinubu’s peacekeeping endeavors in Niger.