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ECOWAS Leaders Will Fight To Ensure Democracy In Niger Republic, Tinubu Reacts To Suspected Coup Attempt In West African Country

FILE
July 26, 2023

It was earlier reported that Niger presidential guards were holding President Mohamed Bazoum inside the presidential palace in the capital, which had been blocked off by military vehicles since Wednesday morning.

Bola Tinubu, Nigerian President and Chairman of  ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has reacted to the planned coup d'etat in Niger Republic, saying it will not be tolerated. 

 

It was earlier reported that Niger presidential guards were holding President Mohamed Bazoum inside the presidential palace in the capital, which had been blocked off by military vehicles since Wednesday morning.

 

According to AFP, no shots were fired and it was not clear if it was an attempt by the presidential guard to seize power.

 

The president's office tweeted that the guards unsuccessfully tried to get support from the military in their "anti-republican" efforts.

 

But reacting to the unrest in neighbouring Niger Republic on Wednesday, President Tinubu said ECOWAS and all lovers of democracy around the would not tolerate any situation that incapacitates a democratically-elected government. 

 

A statement issued by the State House said, "Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country's highest political leadership.

 

 

"It should be quite clear to all players in the Republic of Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country.

 

 

"The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

 

 

"I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.

 

 

"I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.

 

 

"As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without  equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order."