Northern Nigeria Senators Reject Military Intervention In Niger

In the wake of the recent military coup in Niger Republic, the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate have stepped forward to express their strong condemnation and call for a diplomatic resolution to the political crisis.

Led by Sen. Abdul Ahmad Ningi, the Northern Senators have raised serious concerns about the implications of the coup not only for Niger but also for Nigeria, particularly the seven northern states that share borders with Niger Republic.

The coup, which forcefully upstaged the democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum in Niger, has prompted regional and international attention. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under the leadership of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been working to find a solution to the crisis. However, the Northern Senators argue that the emphasis should be on using political and diplomatic means to restore democratic governance in Niger.

In a press release issued on August 4, 2023, Sen. Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, the spokesperson for the Northern Senators Forum, expressed the caucus’s deep concern over the use of military force without exhausting all diplomatic channels. The Senators fear that military intervention may lead to casualties among innocent citizens and further destabilize the already fragile situation in the region.

The Senators are particularly worried about the potential spillover effects of military action in Niger, citing the examples of neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Libya, which have faced security challenges. These countries share borders with the northern states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno in Nigeria, and any escalation of conflict in Niger could have serious implications for the security and stability of these Nigerian states.

As representatives of the people and staunch advocates of democracy, the Northern Senators are urging their colleagues to exercise due diligence and explore all diplomatic avenues before considering further actions. They emphasize the need for Nigeria to prioritize political and diplomatic solutions to help restore democratic governance in Niger and avert any potential negative consequences for the region.

The situation in Niger Republic remains fluid, and the international community continues to monitor developments closely. The stance taken by the Northern Nigerian Senators adds another layer of complexity to the regional dynamics, underscoring the need for a concerted effort to find a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

As the situation unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, hoping that diplomacy will prevail and pave the way for a stable and democratic future for Niger and the entire West African region. The coming days will reveal how leaders within ECOWAS and the international community respond to the urgent call for a diplomatic resolution to this political upheaval.