Aware of the consequences, particularly in the area of human rights violations and avoidable mass deaths of innocent civilians, especially women and children, in the event of deployment of armed forces to Niger, the African Indigenous Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, AIFES, has joined in calling on the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, not to consider the option of war or application of force in its efforts in restoring normalcy in the country.
This followed the decision by ECOWAS to forcefully remove the military, who few weeks ago overthrown the democratically elected government in the West African country.
This was contained in a statement by Legborsi Saro-Pyagbara,
Executive Director, AIFES.
The group while condemning the action of the Military Junta, insisted that dialogue should be employed for peaceful return of power to civilians.
“While we, no doubt, condemn the undemocratic cessation of power in Niger by the Military leaders in the country, we however, disagree with the use of force or adoption of any approach that would lead to violation of rights of the citizens and corporate organizations there. Diplomatic options should be explored to the fullest”, Pyagbara said.
The group also appealed to the military to quickly handover power to the democratically elected government.
“We also appeal to the Military Junta in Niger not to foot-drag its steps in returning governance to the elected officials that were undemocratically deposed. We believe there are legitimate means of changing any leadership that no longer enjoy the acceptability of the citizens, and this constitutional process should be followed if the people feel alienated, abused and misruled by the heads of government in that country, without engaging in acts of illegality,” the group said.
The group commended efforts of the international community in trying to restore normalcy in the country.
“We commend the known and unsung efforts by individuals, corporate bodies and the international communities, including Nigerian Government, ECOWAS, AU and others, to restore peace and legitimate leadership in Niger since the elected government was unseated. We welcome steps taken so far, which include, sanctions by foreign Governments and Institutions, as well as the latest suspension of Niger by African Union in their quest to make the Military Junta let go their grip of power in the country.
“We call for total protection of citizens’ rights and provision of humanitarian aids and services to the people of Niger to avert escalated hunger, diseases and deaths of innocent citizens,” AIFES said.
