Nigeria has called on all parties in Niger to pursue a peaceful return to constitutional order following a failed coup attempt in the capital, Niamey.
The appeal came in a statement from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which expressed deep concern over the political and security situation in the neighbouring country.
The ministry said it was closely monitoring developments, stressing that stability in Niger was critical to Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.
It noted the longstanding historical, cultural and fraternal ties between the two nations and expressed hope that peace, security, democracy and development would prevail.
The statement, signed by ministry spokesperson Oluwadamilola Adeniyi, warned against the use of force to resolve political disputes. “Any resort to the use of force to settle political differences detracts from this objective,” the statement read.
Nigeria urged the authorities and people of Niger to work together towards “an inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order” in the interest of the country and regional peace.
The failed mutiny involved heavy gunfire and explosions in several parts of Niamey, including near the Diori Hamani International Airport and Air Base 101.
Mutineers also attempted to break into the fortified presidential palace, where junta leader Abdourahmane Tchiani is protected by elite forces. After hours of fighting, the mutiny was thwarted by the elite forces with the help of the Russian-backed African Corps.
Niger has been under military rule since a 2023 coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
The country was suspended from ECOWAS following that takeover and later withdrew from the bloc alongside junta-led Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Alliance of Sahel States.
President Bola Tinubu led ECOWAS to condemn the 2023 coup and impose sanctions and a border blockade on Niger. Although those measures have since been lifted, relations between the two neighbours have yet to recover fully.
Source: allAfrica.com