Division in ECOWAS Parliament over use of force in Niger Republic

 

As the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS continues to push for the military junta in Niger Republic to reverse course, the parliament of the sub-regional body is undecided on which approach should be taken to ensure that ousted President, Mohammed Bazoum returns to power.

While some members support the use of force, others are opposing it, insisting on the diplomatic path. This is coming after the second meeting of ECOWAS leaders directed its Defence Chiefs to activate its Standby Force in readiness for deployment.

This is the first meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament since the eruption of the political crisis in Niger Republic. The emergency virtual extraordinary session is seeking ways of mitigating the ongoing crisis and avoid further escalation of instability in the sub-region.

While some Members of Parliament want a unanimous support for the decision by ECOWAS to use military force to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic, others vehemently opposed it and argue in favour of the use of diplomacy.

Among those opposed to the decision of the ECOWAS leaders are the Nigerian members of the Ecowas Parliament who are of the opinion that the use of military intervention might lead to uncontrollable consequences.

This disagreement makes it impossible to adopt the draft resolution by the Parliament’s constituted committee

The Parliament is to hold another summit in the days ahead to take a decisive position. Meanwhile, it resolved to set up an adhoc mediation committee to visit Niger republic and meet with the military leader.

AIT