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Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Erdogan: Military Intervention in Niger Unacceptable


Mon 21 Aug 2023 | 10:45 PM
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.
Israa Farhan

A military intervention in Niger by the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is unacceptable because it will destabilize the situation in many African countries, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.

Erdogan's remarks were made on Monday as he returned from a diplomatic visit to Budapest. He emphasized the importance of achieving peace and stability in Niger through peaceful means.

"The decision on military intervention in Niger is unacceptable. It will lead to destabilization in many African countries. I hope that peace and stability in Niger will be reached as soon as possible," the TRT television channel quoted him as saying upon his return from a visit to Budapest.

Erdogan indicated that Turkiye, as an influential nation, could play a vital role in resolving the conflict in Niger.

Diplomatic discussions pertaining to this role are currently underway through Turkiye's foreign ministry. Additionally, he emphasized the need for Niger to hold democratic elections in the near future to ensure legitimate and representative leadership.

The political turmoil in Niger emerged in late July when a group of military rebels ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and established the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) to govern the nation.

The situation prompted leaders of ECOWAS, of which Niger is a member, to demand the release of Bazoum, warning of potential military measures if their demand was not met. The regional body also imposed stringent sanctions on Niger.