ECOWAS chairman, President Bola Tinubu, says the ongoing political crisis in Niger Republic threatens the stability of Nigeria and other West African countries.

The Nigerian president stated this at the extraordinary summit on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Niger held in Abuja on Thursday, a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, said.

“More specifically, as leaders of our respective nations, we must recognise that the political crisis in Niger not only poses a threat to the stability of the nation but also has far-reaching implications for the entire West African region,” Mr Tinubu said.

ECOWAS leaders at the summit expressed commitment to democracy, rule of law and stability in Niger, thereby collectively adopting diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the lingering political issue in Niger.

“In reaffirming our relentless commitment to democracy, human rights, and the well-being of the people of Niger, it is crucial that we prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach.

“We must engage all parties involved, including the coup leaders, in earnest discussions to convince them to relinquish power and reinstate President Bazoum,” Mr Tinubu said.

Present at the summit were Presidents of Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Cote ‘d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, and Togo, while Liberia and the Gambia were represented by their foreign ministers.

Meanwhile, Niger’s military junta had ignored condemnation and sanctions from ECOWAS as it announced a new government on Thursday.

Newly appointed prime minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine will lead other 21 new ministers in forming the new government.