Niger coup: We will sustain democracy – ECOWAS military chiefs

ECOWAS defence chiefs have said there should be a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, diplomatic dimensions and security in addressing the situation in Niger Republic.

The Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries made this known at the end of their three-day Extraordinary Meeting on Friday in Abuja.

General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and President of the committee, applauded ECOWAS for standing firm for democracy, saying that the militaries of the member countries were firmly in support of their stand.

He said that the committee collectively recognised the gravity of the situation in Niger and the urgent need for a well-coordinated response.

Musa said, “We have also deliberated on the broader implications for democracy, peace and stability in West Africa and pleased to note that our discussions have yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations.

“We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions.

“It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.

“Democracy is what we stand for and democracy is what we will sustain.”

Musa said the military chiefs agreed that there were no alternative democratic principles and rule of law in the region.

He noted that the coup in Niger represented blatant disregard for the fundamental principles that underpin regional integration and stability.

Countries represented at the meeting included Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Gambia, Cote D’ivoire, Cape Verde and Benin while Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso were absent