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President Bola Tinubu has been promised by the West their full support in restoring peace to the Niger Republic.
Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States of America, and Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations assured Tinubu of their full support in restoring democratic governance in the ongoing Coup in Niger
The Republic had been in chaos after a recent military coup ousted its President, Muhammed Bazoum, declaring a military takeover of the government.
Bazoum, the latest victim of coups in Africa’s Sahel region, has been confined to his residence by his presidential guard since Wednesday. The overthrow prompted strong condemnation from African states, ECOWAS, and other international organizations.
President Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, expressed his displeasure at the situation and pledged that Nigeria would do everything within its power to foster democracy in West Africa.
In response, the ECOWAS Chair dispatched a delegation to engage with all parties involved to restore constitutional order in Niger.
During separate telephone conversations, both Harris and Guterres praised President Tinubu for spearheading peace efforts in Niger and expressed their support for Nigeria's endeavours to restore democratic order in the Republic of Niger.
In her conversation with President Tinubu, Harris commended the reform initiatives of Nigeria's Federal Government and encouraged the country to continue in that direction.
She also pledged the US's assistance in the fight against terrorism and emphasized the importance of embracing energy transitions in Africa, including Nigeria.
President Tinubu thanked Harris for her encouragement regarding the economy but expressed concern about the developments in Niger. He counted on ECOWAS' determination to restore democracy and sought the US's support in attracting private-sector investment to Nigeria, particularly in the energy sector.
Climate change and the need for understanding the situation in developing countries, including Africa, were also discussed during the conversations.
Regarding the call with UN Secretary-General Guterres, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to resolving the situation in Niger and sought the UN's support in restoring democracy and building institutions in the country. Guterres pledged the UN's commitment to Tinubu's peace efforts in Niger.
The leaders also discussed strengthening relations between their countries and their collaboration on global and regional issues, including defending democracy in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as digital inclusion.
