The recent developments in Niger Republic, where the military seized power, have been of great concern to the international community. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened a military intervention to restore the constitutionally elected government, NjenjeMediaNews reports.
Russia, however, has spoken out against this threat of intervention. Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, recently said, “We think that the threat of the use of force against a sovereign state will not help to defuse tensions and resolve the situation in the country.”
The Russian government believes that the current situation in Niger warrants a political solution that is reached through dialogue and negotiation. The government has also expressed its readiness to contribute to the mediation efforts of the African Union, the United Nations, and other international partners.
I NjenjeMediaNews further reports that, the Russian government has urged all parties in Niger to exercise restraint and to refrain from any actions that could lead to further destabilization of the political situation in the country. The government has also urged the international community to support the mediation efforts and to respect the sovereignty of Niger.
The military coup in Niger has put the country’s fragile democracy at risk. The country has seen a number of coups and counter-coups since its independence in 1960. In the latest incident, the military seized power after President Mohamed Bazoum was declared the winner of the February 2021 presidential election.
It is important for the international community to work together to help restore the constitutionally elected government in Niger. While a military intervention could help restore the government, it is important to ensure that it does not lead to further destabilization of the country. The Russian government’s call for a political solution is a welcome step and should be supported by the international community.
