The Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Ali Ndume, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic following the military coup. Ndume argued that the sanctions, affecting the entire country, have led to extreme hardship for the citizens and economic difficulties for Nigerians living in border areas of several Nigerian states.
Ndume emphasized that instead of applying broad sanctions, the focus should be on targeting the coup leaders, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani. He suggested involving former military heads of state, including retired Generals Yakubu Gowon, Abubakar Abdulsalami, Muhammadu Buhari, and Ibrahim Babangida, to negotiate with the junta responsible for toppling the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.
“The decision of ECOWAS to place economic sanctions on Niger was, however, rushed, instead of the National Assembly to dialogue with the junta,” Ndume stated. He also highlighted the plight of around 100,000 displaced persons from Abadam, Guzamala, and Mobbar local councils, who have sought refuge in Diffa Province for over a decade.
Ndume’s appeal suggests a nuanced approach to address the political situation in Niger Republic without adversely affecting the general population.
