President Tinubu In Phone Calls With Kamala Harris, Gutterres Over Coup In Niger

In a series of separate telephone conversations, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria received strong support from United States Vice President Kamala Harris and United Nations’ Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for Nigeria’s endeavors to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

A statement issued by Dele Alake, the presidential adviser on special duties, communications, and strategy, highlighted the praise and commendation given by Vice President Harris and Secretary-General Guterres to President Tinubu for spearheading the peace efforts in Niger.

The Nigerian President, who also holds the position of Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, had promptly responded to the crisis in Niger after soldiers from the Presidential Guard attempted to depose President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.

President Tinubu’s firm rejection of the threat to democracy in Niger was followed by the dispatch of a strong delegation to engage with all parties involved, with the aim of restoring constitutional order in the country.

During her conversation with President Tinubu, Vice President Harris lauded the reform initiatives of the Nigerian Federal Government and encouraged the nation to continue its efforts in that direction.

Harris also expressed the United States’ commitment to supporting democracy in Africa, including the West African sub-region, and offered assistance to Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. Furthermore, she emphasized the need for Africa, including Nigeria, to embrace energy transitions.

President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Harris’ call and her encouraging words regarding the country’s economic efforts. However, he also conveyed his concern about the developments in Niger Republic, which dampened the spirits of those working towards restoring democracy in the region. He assured Vice President Harris that under his leadership, ECOWAS would do everything necessary to bring back democracy to Niger and sought the support of the United States in this endeavor. Additionally, President Tinubu urged the US to lead the way in encouraging private sector investment in Nigeria.

During the conversation with UN Secretary-General Guterres, President Tinubu shared that he was committed to resolving the impasse in Niger and remained hopeful that the situation could still be reversed for the better. He emphasized that ECOWAS would require the UN’s support in restoring democracy and building institutions in Niger.

Guterres, in turn, pledged the UN’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s peace efforts in Niger, further solidifying the international community’s stance in favor of restoring constitutional order in the troubled country. (CONTINUE READING HERE)