Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba political organization, issued a statement on Thursday urging restraint in the event of a military intervention by ECOWAS in the Republic of Niger.
In a communique signed by PaAyo Adebanjo and Sola Ebiseni, the leaders of Afenifere emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the current crisis in the country.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had protested General Abdourahamane Tchiani’s coup attempt by calling for the return of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
Regional actors, such as ECOWAS, are worried about the situation and are considering sending in the military to restore democratic governance.
On the other hand, Afenifere has maintained a cautious stance on the probable military involvement despite its reputation for championing Yoruba interests and adherence to the values of democracy and self-determination.
While reestablishing Niger’s democratic system is of the utmost importance, the group emphasized that military intervention should be a last choice, followed by intensive diplomacy.
“Without further ado, Afenifere urges the ECOWAS to pursue diplomatic means of resolving the situation in the Republic of Niger.
Afenifere “strongly urged the Nigerien military to see the illegality and futility of usurping the sovereignty of the people of Niger to democratically decide who rules them and immediately return to the path of constitutionality,” which limits their duty to defending the territorial integrity of the Nigerien state.
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