The recent efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic through military action have faced setbacks.

In response to this situation, the Nigerian Senate has advised President Bola Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, to explore political and diplomatic solutions to restore democracy in Niger.

After an emergency extraordinary meeting in Abuja, ECOWAS leaders, including President Tinubu, called on the coup plotters in Niger to reinstate President Bazoum within seven days, warning of possible military action if the ultimatum is not met. The meeting also discussed the potential imposition of sanctions.

In response to President Tinubu’s request for support in implementing ECOWAS resolutions, the Senate held a two-hour deliberation behind closed doors and advised against resorting to military actions. Instead, the Senate urged him and other ECOWAS leaders to focus on diplomatic approaches to address the change of government in Niger Republic.

Various stakeholders, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, PDP governors, and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), have cautioned against military action in Niger to restore democracy.

Meanwhile, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, expressed France’s strong support for ECOWAS efforts to defeat the coup in Niger. During her visit to the Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Colonna called on the coup plotters to immediately return to democratic rule.

In summary, the Nigerian Senate has advised President Tinubu to avoid military actions and focus on diplomatic means to address the political situation in Niger. France has pledged its support to ECOWAS in defeating the coup attempt and emphasized the need for a prompt return to democratic order in Niger Republic.