Saturday, July 11, 2026

ECOWAS parliament divided over military intervention in Niger

Some members who were against military intervention highlighted the economic woes that the people of Niger could experience if invaded.

• August 12, 2023
NIGERIEN COUPISTS[ Credit; The Conversation]
NIGERIEN COUPISTS[ Credit; The Conversation]

The ECOWAS Parliament was on Saturday divided over the option of taking military action as an option for tackling the political situation in Niger Republic and restoring civil rule there.

Some members advocated for measures to prevent the intrusion of the military into politics in the region, whereas others highlighted diplomacy and dialogue as the optimal methods for addressing the crisis.

No fewer than 22 parliamentarians participated in the virtual extraordinary meeting to discuss the political crisis in Niger.

Some members who were against military intervention highlighted the economic woes that the people of Niger could experience if invaded.

Ali Djibo, from Niger Republic, said at least 9,000 schools had been closed owing to the crisis.

“War will only compound the economic woes the peoples of the sub-region are already going through.

“As we speak, over a thousand trucks, loaded with goods, are stranded at the border.

“If a coup happened in Nigeria or Cote’d’Iviore tomorrow, where’s the ECOWAS going to mobilise troops to fight the Nigerian or Ivorian military? How many borders are we going to close?

“We must also bear in mind that if we’re applying the ECOWAS treaty, it should be applicable to all.”

Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante (Rivers), ECOWAS must pay keen attention and treat the root causes of coups in ECOWAS countries.

Members of the ECOWAS Parliament making a case for military intervention in Niger said diplomacy had contributed in no small measure to the increase in the spate of military takeover of government in the West African sub-region.

Contributing, Adebayo Balogun, posited that ECOWAS leaders were proposing military action to remove the junta, not clamouring for a fully-fledged war.

He recalled that Niger was a signatory to ECOWAS’ revised protocol on non-military intervention.

Also, Bashir Dawodu expressed the belief that the body should open itself up to the possibility of a military option and apply pressure on the putschists while exploring dialogue.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Young Progressives Party

States

YPP lauds rescue of Oyo pupils, teachers, urges stronger safe school initiative

The party urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to replicate the successful strategy nationwide.

Hot news Home top

Cameroonian community mourns after missing seven-year-old boy found dead in Canada’s lake 

Mr Kimber said that the victim’s remains were found submerged in the surrounding area even before Peel Region dive team went into the water.

States

Zamfara distributes 72,000 bags of fertiliser, agrochemicals, others to farmers

The statement quoted Mr Lawal as saying the programme marked another milestone in his administration’s commitment to revitalising agriculture.

Released Oyo hostages

States

Expert urges FG to adopt Oyo hostages’ rescue strategy nationwide

Mr Albert also said the operation showed that successful rescue missions should not rely solely on military force.

Olatunji Disu

States

State police will bring security closer to Nigerian communities, says IG

The IG said closer community engagement would improve intelligence gathering, public trust and rapid response to security threats.

Cross River State

States

Cross River shuts three private health facilities for non-registration, outdated facilities 

The sealing was announced by the state’s ministry of health in a statement to journalists in Calabar on Saturday.