In separate telephone conversations with President Bola Tinubu, United States Vice President Kamala Harris and United Nations’ Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres have expressed strong support for Nigeria’s efforts toward the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.
A statement by the presidential adviser on special duties, communications and strategy, Dele Alake reveals that, the two leaders also commended the Nigerian President, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for spearheading the peace moves in Niger after some soldiers from the Presidential Guard had moved to depose President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday July 26, 2023. President Tinubu had promptly rejected the threat to democracy in that country, sending a strong delegation to talk with all the parties with a view to restoring constitutional order in Niger.
In her telephone conversation with President Tinubu, at the instance of the US authorities, Harris praised the reform initiatives of the Federal Government, urging the country to continue in that direction. While pledging to support democracy in Africa including the West African sub region, Harris also said the U.S. would assist Nigeria in the battle against terrorism. The US Vice President spoke on the need for Africa, including Nigeria to embrace energy transitions.
President Tinubu thanked Harris for the call and her words of encouragement on the efforts taken so far on the economy, but added that “the developments in Niger Republic dampen spirits.” He said ECOWAS under his watch would do all that is necessary to restore democracy in Niger, while counting on the support of the US. On Nigeria, President Tinubu craved for more private sector investment, urging the US to lead the way in this regard. Speaking with the UN Secretary- General Guterres, President Tinubu said he was doing everything possible to resolve the impasse in Niger.
While expressing the hope that the situation in Niger could still be reversed for better, he said ECOWAS would require UN’s support for restoring democracy and building institutions in that country. Guterres had earlier pledged the commitment of the UN for Tinubu’s peace efforts in Niger.