More organisations, including Islamic leaders and Christian leaders, have voiced their support for a peaceful approach to resolving the crisis in Niger Republic following the military coup d’état that ousted President Muhammed Bazoum.
Yesterday, both the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Catholic Bishops in West Africa urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and, in particular, President Bola Tinubu to avoid military action in Niger due to the ugly consequences of armed conflict on the ordinary people.
The apex Islamic body, headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, advised ECOWAS and President Tinubu to retrace their hard stance against the Republic of Niger.
The NSCIA, which gave the admonition in a statement issued by its deputy secretary-general, Prof. Salisu Shehu, yesterday, said such hard stance, including economic sanctions, are counter-productive and will eventually end in futility.
According to the NSCIA, both Nigerians and Nigeriens share common history and borders; therefore, imposing more stringent sanctions against Niger will have negative socio-economic implications – more pain and difficulties for the suffering masses – while the junta, with control of state resources, can live in comfort.
The Council observes with dismay that although the military junta in Niger has remained defiant, ECOWAS has just lately further imposed more stringent sanctions against it. But it is well known that such kinds of economic sanctions are counter-productive and eventually end in futility. It is the masses that do suffer the pains and difficulties of the sanctions while the junta that seizes power takes control of state resources and begins a life of indulgence. The Council therefore, calls on ECOWAS and in particular, the Nigerian Government to retrace their steps in this regard to avoid correcting wrong with another,” NSCIA’s statement read in part.