According to the defense leaders of ECOWAS, the situation in the Niger Republic requires a comprehensive strategy that takes into account security, political, and diplomatic facets.
This was announced by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) at the conclusion of their three-day Extraordinary Meeting on Friday in Abuja.
The committee’s president and Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, General Christopher Musa, praised ECOWAS for upholding democracy and stated that the armies of the member nations fully supported their stance.
He said that everyone on the group understood the seriousness of the situation in Niger and the pressing necessity for a well-planned 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.”
The military leaders, according to Musa, concurred that the rule of law and democratic values were the only ones that applied in the area.
He pointed out that the coup in Niger demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the guiding principles that support regional stability and integration.
Niger, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso were not present, but Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Gambia, Cote D’Ivoire, Cape Verde, and Benin were.