After a 2-day marathon meeting on the political crisis rocking Niger Republic, Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS region have unanimously vowed to ensure Niger and other countries in the region thread the path of democracy, peace and stability.
Addressing newsmen after the security meeting on behalf of his colleagues, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa noted that it has been an honor for him to preside over this extraordinary meeting on the situation of the recent coup in the Niger Republic as the President of this honourable committee of the CDS of ECOWAS States.
The military chiefs had gone into closed-door meeting on Wednesday after addressing newsmen.
Expert had hinted that it is not all the outcomes of the deliberation that was made public.
The defence bosses may pull the strings of surprises in Niger in days ahead.
According to Musa, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your insightful contributions, thoughtful deliberations, and unwavering commitment to the cause of peace and stability in our region.
“Throughout our discussions, we have collectively recognized the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a well-coordinated response. The deliberations have been marked by a spirit of unity, cooperation and determination to address the challenges at hand.
“We have examined the immediate implications of the coup on the Niger Republic and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region. We have also deliberated on the broader implications for democracy, peace, and stability in West Africa.
“I am pleased to note that our discussions have yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations. We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security, and diplomatic dimensions.
“It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that can effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.
“Firstly, we must emphasize the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. The coup in the Niger Republic represents a blatant disregard for these fundamental principles that underpin our regional integration and stability. We must unequivocally condemn such actions and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to democracy.
“Secondly, we must strengthen our regional security architecture and enhance our collective response to security challenges. The coup in the Niger Republic has highlighted the fragility of our region and the need for a robust and proactive security framework.
“We must enhance intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and capacity-building initiatives among our defense and security forces to effectively combat threats to our collective security and enhance interoperability.
“Thirdly, we must intensify our diplomatic efforts to engage with all relevant stakeholders. Dialogue and negotiation should be at the forefront of our approach in resolving the crisis in Republic of Niger. We must engage with the transitional authorities, civil society organizations, and other key actors to foster an inclusive and peaceful transition process.
“However, it is crucial to recognize that the success of our deliberations depends on the implementation of the recommendations we have formulated. We must ensure that the decisions taken here today are not mere rhetoric but are transformed into tangible actions on the ground.
“To this end, I call upon each member state to take ownership of the agreed-upon measures and work diligently to implement them towards finding solutions to the situation in the Republic of Niger.
“We must also strengthen our coordination mechanisms within the ECOWAS framework. The ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff should continue to serve as a platform for regular engagement, information sharing, and joint planning. We must leverage our collective expertise and resources to address emerging security challenges promptly.
“Let us remember that the success of this meeting will not be measured by the words spoken here today, but by the actions we take tomorrow and, in the days, to come.
“Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact and ensure that the Niger Republic and the entire ECOWAS region can progress on the path of democracy, peace, and stability. I urge all to prioritize the implementation of the recommendations that have been put forth during our deliberations.
“This requires a concerted effort and a sense of urgency. We must allocate the necessary resources, engage relevant stakeholders, and monitor progress to ensure that our decisions have a tangible impact on the ground.”
Addressing the military Geenrals, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Abubakar Kana said, “I must commend all the CDS’s for yeilding to our call for this meeting. Thank you for accepting to work together in the interest of ECOWAS. Nigeria through the leadership of BAT is working to ensure democracy. Military option is the last option.
“We are waiting for the call from CNC to move and armed forces shall move. Military is ready to respond. Thank you all for a robust plan to work together. We that EU, USA, UK and other allies.”
