The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for the lifting of sanctions against Niger Republic and the restoration of dialogue with the military junta. The ACF expressed concern over the potential impact on neighboring countries and urged caution to avoid further destabilizing the West African region.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for the lifting of sanctions against Niger Republic by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ACF's statement, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, emphasizes the need for dialogue with the military junta to prevent a breakdown of talks and restore democratic rule in Niger.
The ACF condemned the coup in Niger and expressed concern for the personal safety of President Mohamed Bazoum and his government. To restore confidence measures, the ACF urged President Tinubu and ECOWAS to review the situation and lift the economic blockade and other sanctions imposed on Niger as a goodwill gesture to facilitate swift dialogue.
The ACF highlighted the complexity of the situation, stating that neighboring countries like Algeria, Libya, and Chad may perceive military aggression as a declaration of war against their borders. With military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea also declaring support for the Niger coup leaders, caution is necessary to prevent further escalation in the region.
The ACF commended the members of the Northern Senators Forum for rejecting the use of force against Niger Republic in their pursuit of restoring democratic governance. The upper chamber of Nigeria's National Assembly was praised for adopting a peaceful approach to resolve the potential conflict.
The ACF called on the Nigerian government to suspend all restrictions imposed on Niger, emphasizing the importance of demanding a short timeline from the coup leaders to hand power back to elected officials. It further stressed the need for Nigeria and other ECOWAS-member countries to avoid any perception of engaging in a proxy war for western countries in the region.
In related news, ECOWAS leaders will reconvene on Thursday, August 10, to discuss the crisis in Niger Republic.
The ACF's call for the lifting of sanctions against Niger Republic and the restoration of dialogue with the military junta highlights the delicate nature of the situation. It recognizes the potential risks and complexities associated with unilateral actions, particularly considering the support expressed by neighboring countries and military juntas in the region.
By urging caution and a peaceful approach, the ACF demonstrates its commitment to regional stability and the preservation of democratic governance. The lifting of economic sanctions and the resumption of dialogue provide an opportunity to resolve the crisis in Niger and prevent further escalation.
The involvement of ECOWAS leaders in discussing the crisis signifies the importance of regional cooperation and the search for sustainable solutions.
The ACF's statement serves as a reminder that diplomatic negotiations and peaceful resolutions should always be pursued, especially in fragile political environments. It emphasizes the need for dialogue, compromise, and the preservation of democratic values to restore stability and ensure the well-being of the people of Niger Republic.
The international community, including President Tinubu and ECOWAS, plays a crucial role in facilitating the resolution of conflicts and supporting democratic transitions in the region. The ACF's call should be heeded, and efforts should be made to restore dialogue, lift sanctions, and restore full diplomatic engagement with the military junta in Niger.
This will contribute to the restoration of democratic governance, protect the safety of President Bazoum and his government, and prevent further destabilization within Niger Republic and the wider West African region.
Author: John Smith
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-08 News
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