President Bola Tinubu has charged the United Nations (UN) and the international community to support the quest to ensure the restoration of democracy in Niger Republic.
The president made the charge in his first address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA, early Wednesday morning.
A coup d’etat occured on 26 July 2023, in Niger Republic in which President Mohamed Bazoum was removed.
The Commander of the Presidential Guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta in the country.
Two months after, the Nigerien military is unbowed to pressure from within and outside the African Continent, with Tinubu at the vanguard of the pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Addressing the 78th UNGA, President Tinubu asked for more international partners, noting that regional leaders have been working for a return to democracy in the West African country.
Tinubu told the UN General Assembly that military coups are wrong, adding: “Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders.”
The president further said: “We must affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people.
“Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice.
“The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems.
“Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders.
“As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation.
“[This is] including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region. I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission.”
Tinubu further spoke on the increasing extremism in West Africa: “Our entire region is locked in protracted battle against violent extremists.
“In the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed. Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, women and children are seen as chattel.
“Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life.
“At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north.
“This harmful traffic undermines the peace and stability of an entire region.
“African nations will improve our economies so that our people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and streets of other nations.
“We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf.”
To curb extremism in the region Tinubu charged the international community to “strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa.”
