Defense chief charges ECOWAS to face challenges of restoring democracy in Niger Republic

Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff on Wednesday tasked chiefs of staff of ECOWAS’ member states to prepare for the challenges of restoring a democratic governance in the Republic of Niger.
Lieutenant General Christopher Gwabin Musa said this in his address at the Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of the chiefs of Defense Staff, in Abuja.
The meeting convened in response to the recent coup in the Republic of Niger.
The Chief of Defense Staff who is also the current President of the ECOWAS Committee of CDS noted that, “The recent coup d’etat in the Republic of Niger is one event that calls for our collective attention and a united response.
“We must face the challenges of restoring democratic governance in Niger head-on, drawing on our shared experiences, wisdom, and collective resolve. “Our decisions will have far-reaching implications for the ECOWAS region. ECOWAS’ strength lies in unity, shared values, and commitment to democracy, peace, and prosperity.
In this regard, we are tasked with a mission to restore democracy in the Republic of Niger and preserve germane humanitarian principles across the region”.
He said it is no longer news that the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS met at an Extraordinary Session in Abuja on 30 Jul 23 in response to the latest political developments in the Republic of Niger. He said the extraordinary meeting is a fall out of the Final Communique of that Meeting.

The events that transpired in one of our countries on 26 July 2023 has reverberated across our borders, affecting us all.
“Our decisions will inevitably shape the lives of millions of people around the sub-continent”, Musa said.
He added that the ECOWAS, since its establishment, has not only remained steadfast in its commitment to promoting economic cooperation and regional integration, but also has been resolute in its stand against any form of illegal takeover of power, as enshrined in the 2001 Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
The CDS said the political instability in Niger is a source of grave concern for the region, adding, “It threatens our shared vision of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa, a vision that is impossible to achieve amidst political upheavals and disruptions to constitutional order.
“Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to deliberate on this issue and chart a course towards resolution, in accordance with the principles of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights”.
He said further,
“We are not oblivious to the complex challenges that lie ahead.
“The task of restoring democratic governance in Niger is fraught with potential hurdles and complications.
“However, we cannot afford to be hamstrung by these challenges. Instead, we must confront them head-on, drawing upon our shared experiences, wisdom, and the strength of our collective resolve.
“Our decisions will send a strong message about our commitment to democracy, our intolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, and our dedication to regional stability”.