Russia’s foreign ministry has warned the Economic Community for West African States, (ECOWAS) not to use military might against the Niger junta government warning that military action could result in protracted confrontation.
Issuing this warning in a statement on Friday, Russia advised ECOWAS against sending troops to the West African nation.
“We believe that a military solution to the crisis in Niger could lead to a protracted confrontation in that African country, and to a sharp destabilization of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole,” a statement by Russia’s foreign ministry read.
News About Nigeria recalls The President Bola Tinubu led ECOWAS had earlier ordered its standby forces to restore constitutional order in Niger following failed attempts by the bloc and African Union to negotiate with the Niger junta. This came after the Niger junta failed to adhere to the 7-day ultimatum issued by ECOWAS.
The bloc had earlier issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Niger junta to reinstall the Mohamed Bazoum-led government.
However, instead of re-installing the Bazoum-led government, the Niger junta set up a 21-man government to run the affairs of the West African nation.
Russia’s warning coincides with that of prominent Nigerians that have continued to advise the President Bola Tinubu-led government to consider diplomatic efforts instead of the use of force to reinstall the Mohamed Bazoum government.
As part of its effort to bend the Niger junta government, the President Tinubu-led government stopped supplying power to Niger. However, the junta government has remained resolute, refusing to enter into negotiations with ECOWAS and AU.
