Bola Tinubu’s Address During the Second ECOWAS Summit on the Niger Coup

Your Excellency, President of the ECOWAS Commission; Your Excellency, President of the African Union Commission; Your Excellency, President of the UEMOA Commission; The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in West Africa and the Sahel; and

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. I extend a warm welcome to all of you at this Second Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger. This gathering takes place within a mere ten-day interval, underscoring our dedication to swiftly addressing the political challenges in Niger. Your presence, despite the short notice, reaffirms our commitment to finding lasting solutions for our fellow nation.
2. Today, we convene with a sense of urgency and determination, building upon the pledges made during our initial Extraordinary Summit, addressing the grave political crisis in our sister nation. In that earlier meeting, we expressed solidarity with the people of Niger and their democratically elected President, H.E. Mohamed Bazoum, condemning the military intervention and the unjust detainment of their rightfully chosen leader.

Distinguished Leaders, Honored Guests,

3. As we recall, we called upon the junta to reverse their decision of ousting a legitimate government. Subsequently, we imposed sanctions, hoping this resolute action would catalyze the restoration of constitutional order in Niger. Unfortunately, the seven-day ultimatum from our first Summit did not yield the desired outcome. We have diligently engaged the military junta through various ECOWAS mediation teams, aiming for a peaceful resolution. General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State of Nigeria, one of our facilitators, will brief us on his mission’s results in Niamey.
4. Additionally, as part of a coherent diplomatic approach, Special Envoys were dispatched to non-ECOWAS nations, including Libya and Algeria. In these engagements, the envoy for Libya met with the Libyan President, garnering unequivocal support for ECOWAS resolutions toward reinstating constitutional governance in Niger. In Algeria, the envoy met the Foreign Affairs Minister, representing the President of the country. These diplomatic endeavors intend to present a united front in addressing the ongoing circumstances in Niger, demonstrating a collaborative approach among African nations.

Honorable Leaders, Distinguished Guests,

5. Reflecting on the resolution from our preceding Extraordinary Summit to convene the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff, the Chiefs of Staff Committee met from August 2nd to 4th, 2023. The outcomes of this meeting and a memorandum from the President of the ECOWAS Commission on Niger’s current socio-political developments will be presented during this Summit. These insights will guide our collective decision-making process.
6. This Summit offers a pivotal moment to review progress since our last assembly. Evaluating the effectiveness of our interventions and identifying any hindrances is crucial. Only through such a thorough assessment can we chart a sustainable path toward peace, stability, and prosperity in Niger.

Moreover, reaffirming our commitment to democracy, human rights, and the people of Niger, we must prioritize diplomatic negotiations and dialogue. Engaging all stakeholders, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions is essential to encourage the relinquishing of power and reinstatement of President Bazoum. It’s our responsibility to explore all avenues to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance.

Honored Excellencies, Esteemed Attendees,

7. The political crisis in Niger not only jeopardizes national stability but also threatens the wider West African region. Upholding democracy, good governance, and the rule of law is vital for restoring peace and prosperity in Niger, fostering an environment conducive to growth and development.
8. I hold the belief that this Second ECOWAS Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger will be transformative. Let us capitalize on this moment to positively impact the lives of our fellow Africans, working towards a future defined by peace, progress, and prosperity.
9. In closing, I extend gratitude for your attention to this pressing issue. I am confident that our deliberations will be constructive and effective, leading us to a resolution for the political crisis in Niger. Through solidarity and cooperation, we can ensure a bright future for the entire West African region.
10. With these words, I declare this Extraordinary Summit officially open.

Thank you all for your kind attention.