The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has received more international support in its efforts at restoring constitutional order in Niger Republic, where military coupists have seized power and detained the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
In separate telephone conversations with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday evening in Abuja, United States’ (US) Vice President, Kamala Harris and United Nations’ (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed strong support for ECOWAS’ efforts toward the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
The two leaders commended President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS, for spearheading the peace moves.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to Nigeria’s President on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, Harris, who called at the instance of the US authorities, also praised the reform initiatives of the federal government, urging the country to continue in that direction.
On Wednesday, some soldiers from the Presidential Guard had moved to depose President Mohamed Bazoum.
President Tinubu had quickly rejected the threat to democracy in that country, sending a strong delegation to talk with all the parties with a view to restoring constitutional order in Niger.
While pledging to support democracy in Africa, including the West African sub-region, Harris also said the U.S. would assist Nigeria in the battle against terrorism.
The US Vice President spoke on the need for Africa, including Nigeria, to embrace energy transitions.
In his response, President Tinubu thanked Harris for the telephone call and her words of encouragement on the efforts taken so far on the economy, but added that “the developments in Niger Republic dampen spirits.”
