President Tinubu reacts to criticism over Niger intervention

President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has replied to criticism on the choice to consider a potential military intervention in Niger following the country's coup.

He stressed that this, along with the demand that the leaders of the military coup in Niger restore the expelled president, was an ECOWAS regional bloc decision and not a directive from Nigeria.

It comes at a time when President Tinubu, who is also the current chairman of ECOWAS, has come under fire for allegedly advocating military intervention in Niger.


According to a spokesperson for the Nigerian government, the president "has deemed it necessary to state unequivocally that the mandate and ultimatum issued by ECOWAS is that of ECOWAS' position."

The spokesperson further noted in the statement that ECOWAS is responsible for the financial sanctions against Niger and noT Nigeria..

A spokesperson for the Nigerian government said the president "has deemed it necessary to state unequivocally that the mandate and ultimatum issued by ECOWAS is that of ECOWAS’ position”.

In a statement, the spokesperson also says the financial sanctions against Niger are imposed by ECOWAS.

According to ECOWAS, a diplomatic and political option to restore Niger's elected President Mohamed Bazoum is preferred. If the junta continues to be obstinate, it was stated that a military intervention would be the "last resort".

Following the expiration of the ECOWAS deadline on Sunday, August, 6, ECOWAS heads of state will be meeting on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, where deliberations on the next line of action on Niger will be in focus.