ECOWAS parliament splits over military intervention in Niger

Tamarauemi Ebimini

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament is divided over measures to address the political impasse in Niger Republic.

While some of the parliament members spoke in support of dialogue and diplomacy, others called for actions that would actually stem the rise in military government within the region.

Twenty-two parliamentarians took part in the virtual extraordinary meeting to discuss the political crisis in Niger Republic.

The West Africa’s regional bloc on Thursday ordered the activation of a standby force for possible use against the junta that took power in Niger in July, saying it wanted a peaceful restoration of democracy but all options including force were on the table.

Some of the parliamentarians against military intervention explained that any military intervention will cause the masses untold hardship.

The parliamentarians stated this position at an Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament holding virtually.

The first Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of ECOWAS’, Hon Idris Wase opposed the use of military might in resolving the coup dilemma in Niger Republic.

Borno South and member of the Nigerian Delegation to ECOWAS Parliament, Ali Ndume berates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and ECOWAS Chairman of unilaterally closing the Nigerian – Niger border, cutting electricity without the approval of the Nigerian National Assembly.

On his part, Senator Ali Ndume said, “We are the representatives of the people. Whatever action that must be taken should be dependent on what our people want

Hon. Ali Djibo from.Niger Republic said already no fewer than 9,000 schools have been shut.

He said the best solution is dialogue and nowhere in the world where military action has turned out to be the best option.

DJibo explained that war will only inflict more pains on ordinary people.

Hon Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante urged ECOWAS to pay keen attention and treat the root causes of coup in ECOWAS countries. He said, diplomacy must be used to resolve the problem.

However another school of thought felt dialogue and diplomacy have not been able to tame the spread of the scourge in West Africa. The school of thought said there must be consequences for every action against the ECOWAS Protocol.