The Alumni Association of the National Institute, AANI, has condemned the military seizure of power in the Niger Republic.
It backs the restoration of democracy in the country but cautioned against immediate military action.
The National Secretary of AANI, Brigadier General Sani Usman (rtd), made these remarks in a statement released in Abuja.
Usman said; “The AANI believed that non-military options like diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions should be used to resolve the crisis peacefully.”
According to him, ECOWAS must consider the immediate and long-term implications of its actions on the people of the Niger Republic and the wider West African sub-region.
He said; “Military action by ECOWAS may escalate the current situation into a humanitarian crisis and worsen the security challenges in the West African sub-region. It may also escalate tensions in the fragile security situation in the Lake Chad region and other parts of West Africa, attracting other armed groups and external actors to take advantage of it.”
“This would exacerbate the security challenges and create a more complex and dangerous situation. It is, therefore, essential to prioprioritizeceful and diplomatic solutions to the political crisis.
“ECOWAS should upscale diplomatic efforts to persuade the military leaders in Niger to relinquish power and allow the democratically elected government to reclaim the people’s mandate. By avoiding military intervention, ECOWAS would have demonstrated commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability,” Usman explained.
The retired Brigadier-General noted that AANI believed that finding durable solutions to the prevailing political crisis in Niger Republic lay in prioritising the well-being of the civilian population and upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and regional cooperation within ECOWAS.
He said only a peaceful approach by ECOWAS would ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Niger Republic and the broader West African community.
Background
The Alumni Association of the National Institute of Nigeria (AANI) is an organization of the graduates of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru. As products of NIPSS, AANI plays a crucial role in policy formulation and implementation strategies to contribute towards a better society.
Through its network of highly qualified and experienced professionals from diverse fields, AANI fosters a collaborative approach toward addressing key challenges in the country, offering valuable insights and expertise to shape effective policies that promote social, economic, and political development in Nigeria.
By drawing upon the knowledge and expertise of its members, AANI serves as a significant platform for thoughtful leadership and strategic thinking, facilitating dialogue and cooperation between government, academia, and private sectors.
This synergy allows AANI to advocate for evidence-based policies and initiatives that lead to sustainable development and positive societal transformation in Nigeria.
Also through its collective efforts and commitment to excellence, the association remains a driving force in advancing the nation’s progress and fostering a brighter future for all citizens.
