Niger: War Not Optimal But Defending Democracy Is Obligatory – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asserted his commitment to advancing the interests of the Nigerian state and defending democracy, while addressing the regional standoff in Niger Republic. Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with U.S. Presidential Envoy & Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Molly Phee, at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that despite the crisis in Niger Republic, he remains dedicated to successfully concluding Nigeria’s economic reform program for the benefit of its citizens.

“We are actively working to resolve the issue in Niger through diplomatic means, holding back on any rush to action. While war is not conducive to our economic reforms or the region’s stability, safeguarding democracy remains paramount. ECOWAS stands united against insincere delays,” stated Tinubu, who serves as the Chairman of ECOWAS.

During the meeting, Tinubu also urged Ambassador Phee to ensure U.S. policy aligns with collaborative efforts to support independent African democracies. He highlighted the need for American-backed development finance and multilateral institutions to undergo substantial reform to better support young democracies in Africa. These democracies often operate within environments crowded by authoritarian influences, requiring sustained efforts to prevent unconstitutional takeovers of power and manipulation of African aspirations.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of the private sector, Tinubu expressed his determination to foster an enabling environment for their growth. He underlined the importance of U.S. industrial investment in Nigeria, assuring that his leadership is committed to addressing regulatory, tax, and environmental concerns to facilitate prosperity for Nigerian families.

The U.S. Special Presidential Envoy pledged support for ECOWAS’ position and conveyed the U.S. Administration’s esteem for Tinubu’s leadership. President Joe Biden extended a special invitation to meet Tinubu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City in late September. The U.S. Special Envoy noted their intention to collaborate closely with Nigeria to encourage substantial American investment and strengthen the national and regional economy.

In response, President Tinubu welcomed the invitation, recognizing that the pursuit of democracy is a continuous endeavor. He acknowledged that even developed democracies like the United States experience ongoing challenges in perfecting their democratic processes.