Bawku Central MP and member of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has welcomed the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) decision to activate its standby force to help restore constitutional order in Niger following the military coup.
Mr Ayariga said while diplomacy remains the preferred solution to the crisis, maintaining a credible military option is necessary to strengthen negotiations with the ruling junta.
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According to him, the Nigerien military leaders have shown little willingness to engage in dialogue since seizing power on July 27, making it important for ECOWAS to demonstrate its capacity to enforce its decisions.
He argued that the regional bloc’s military readiness would make diplomatic efforts more effective by convincing the junta that ECOWAS has the means to act if negotiations fail.
Mr Ayariga, however, stressed that dialogue remains the ultimate path to resolving the crisis, adding that meaningful negotiations can only succeed if the military authorities recognise ECOWAS’ resolve.
The legislator also urged West African leaders to remain committed to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
He said the sub-region must clearly define the values it seeks to uphold and be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to defend democratic governance and constitutional order.
