President Bola Tinubu says on Tuesday that the Economic Community of West African States’ harsh sanctions against the Niger junta will not be eased, despite the military authorities’ vow to talk with the regional group to address the issue in the francophone country.
Tinubu, who stated this when he received the Special Envoy of President Ali Ondimba and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Gabon, Hermann Immongault, at the State House in Abuja, insisted that military takeover of government was no longer acceptable in Africa.
However, the junta led by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani has asked that the Federal Government restore the electricity that was shut off as part of the embargoes imposed on the coupists following the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.
Tchiani made the plea during a meeting with Nigerian Ulamas in Niamey on Saturday, saying they were unhappy that the regional bloc did not consult with them before imposing many embargoes, including the threat of military action to restore democracy.
But Tinubu, who is the ECOWAS chairman, told his visitors on Tuesday that any interference in democratic governance would not be accepted by the leadership of the regional body.
The President also praised the solidarity of the Economic Community of Central African States on the political impasse in the Republic of Niger, according to a statement released by the Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.
The President said the special message of support and solidarity from President Bongo, who doubles as the Chairman of ECCAS, expressing the full support for ECOWAS resolutions on the unconstitutional takeover of government in Niger, proved once more that military interference in democratic governance was not acceptable anywhere, and certainly, no longer so on the African continent.
“I appreciate the solidarity and support of President Bongo on the situation in Niger. We are working not to compound the problem. We have well-meaning people who have intervened.
“I understand the fear of our people on any form of military action. We are working to keep the sanctions in place and we are following them to the letter.
“We are happy to know that ECCAS is with us on this. Interference in democratic governance is not acceptable to ECOWAS,” Tinubu stated.
