FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2023
Washington, DC – Today, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held an emergency meeting to discuss the coup in the Republic of Niger (Niger). This meeting followed the unsuccessful August 8th attempt to send an ECOWAS’ tripartite delegation to meet with military authorities in Niger. Since the July 26 coup, ECOWAS has held several meetings “to deploy all measures in order to restore constitutional order in Niger” prior to using military force. The United States, while reluctant to declare a coup, has been in communication with the ousted President and the junta leaders hoping for a peaceful resolution and restoration of constitutional order.
Steven Nabieu Rogers, PhD, Executive Director at the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) made the following remarks:
- “There is no substitute for dialogue and diplomacy when it comes to resolving conflicts. The Africa Faith and Justice Network is reassured that ECOWAS is taking more time to engage rather than resort to immediate military intervention.
- “The Africa Faith and Justice Network strongly condemns all forms of unconstitutional removal of constitutionally elected governments.
- “Governments must be chosen by their people through the ballot box.
- “Military intervention in Niger will destabilize the already conflict-ridden Sahel Region, and the African continent as a whole, and any form of resolution to this impasse must involve the people of Niger.”
Read ECOWAS August 8th Press Statement
Read the United States Department of State’s Department Press Briefing – August 9, 2023 transcript