Tinubu Says Nigeria Will Work With UN, US To Defend Democracy In Africa Amidst Coup In Niger

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu on Friday, said the country will continue to champion peace and growth in the African region.

This is despite the military takeover of the government in Niger Republic.

Recall that members of the elite  Presidential Guard had detained President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger inside his palace in the capital, Niamey, early on Wednesday.

The military, through its Spokesman, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, on Wednesday night, announced on state television that it had overthrown the government of President Mohamed Bazoum.

Tinubu also said Nigeria will continue to work with the United Nations and the United States to promote and champion peace and growth in the African region amidst the military coup in Niger Republic.

The Nigerian president who is also the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) disclosed this in a tweet on his official handle on Friday.

Tinubu wrote, “As Chairperson of ECOWAS, I had separate productive calls with the UN Secretary-General
#antonioguterres, and US Vice President Kamala Harris #VP yesterday, reaffirming our shared commitment to defending democracy in the region.

“Nigeria, with the support of partners such as the UN and USA, remains dedicated to championing peace, digital inclusion, economic growth, and prosperity for all in Africa.

“I also re-emphasised Nigeria’s and Africa’s proactive leadership role on the global stage.”

As Chairperson of ECOWAS, I had separate productive calls with the UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres, and US Vice President Kamala Harris @VP yesterday, reaffirming our shared commitment to defending democracy in the region.

Nigeria, with the support of partners such as the…

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) July 28, 2023

Over two weeks ago, Tinubu, as chairman of the 15-member regional body, said Africa will not allow coups that happened in the past to reoccur anymore in the continent.

Meanwhile, Kanyi Daily reported that Niger’s army has backed the defence and security forces that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum despite his defiant stance.

Army Chief of Staff, Abdou Sidikou Issa in a statement on Thursday, said the decision was necessary to “avoid a deadly confrontation between the various forces”.