As part of the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) efforts to restore democracy in that country, Nigeria has cut off the daily supply of 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Niger.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, which was directly involved in the transmission of power on Tuesday night, performed the disconnect.
Vanguard repeatedly called TCN’s managing director and CEO, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz, yesterday, but he didn’t answer.
However, a source within the organisation who wished to remain anonymous said: “It is true that Niger was cut off from the national grid last night at the government’s instruction. Niger used to receive 150 MW of electricity from Nigeria.
It is a complete disconnect in keeping with ECOWAS efforts to reestablish democracy in that nation.
Military action in Niger is a “last resort,” according to the Defence Chiefs
A military intervention in junta-ruled Niger, however, was described by military leaders from the ECOWAS regional bloc as “the last resort” on Wednesday.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, stated that using military force was the very last option available and the last resort. Nevertheless, he added, “We must be ready for the eventuality.”
Speaking at the beginning of a three-day gathering of the grouping’s military chiefs in the Nigerian capital Abuja, Musah added that an ECOWAS delegation led by former Nigerian president Abdulsalami Abubakar was in Niger to “negotiate”.
James Cleverly, the foreign secretary for the United Kingdom, stated yesterday that his nation supported the ECOWAS position on the military coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from office in the Niger Republic.
Recall that the ECOWAS Heads of State threatened to use military force if the coup plotters did not restore President Bazoum to power within seven days last Sunday.
Cleverly’s statement of support came on the same day that the ECOWAS defence chiefs met in Abuja to plan the military action to be taken against the coup-planning junta.
After meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Cleverly briefed State House reporters, saying: “We touched briefly on the situation in Niger. I emphasised that the UK warmly appreciates ECOWAS’ and his (Tinubu’s) decisive action, his steadfast dedication to democracy, and the clear message that using violence to effect political change is never the right course. And that Nigeria and the region have a firm commitment to democracy.
The bloc reiterated its earlier resolution to consider “all measures necessary,” including “the use of force,” to restore democratic governance in Niger while recognising Bazoum as the legitimate President.
These measures might involve using force. To this end, the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff are to convene right away, the ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, read from the communique at the conclusion of the extraordinary summit.
The ECOWAS Authority also imposed immediate sanctions on Niger at the summit in addition to the seven-day deadline, including the closure of land and air borders between member states and Niger.
In addition, they imposed a no-fly zone over all commercial flights into and out of Niger and halted all business and financial dealings between ECOWAS members and Niger.
Additionally, assets held by the Republic of Niger in commercial banks, the ECOWAS Central Bank, and Niger State enterprises are all to be frozen.
The leaders urged the West African Monetary Union and other comparable regional bodies to immediately implement the resolutions, and Niger was also barred from receiving any financial aid from or engaging in any financial transactions with financial institutions within ECOWAS.
Cleverly cited the ECOWAS response, saying, “This strongly supports the UK’s position. We want Niger to once again experience democracy and peace.
In order to bring stability, peace, and democracy to Niger, “we will, of course, continue to liaise with our strong friends in the region, membership of ECOWAS, of course, including Nigeria.”
To bring back democracy in Niger, we must act as one united front. – CDS
General Christopher Gwabim Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, told his ECOWAS counterparts during the extraordinary meeting that the military must work as a united front to tackle the difficulties of restoring democratic governance in Niger.
He claimed that one event that required coordinated attention and a coordinated response from the military in the area was the coup d’etat in the Republic of Niger.
In response to the most recent political developments in the Republic of Niger, Gen. Musa stated: “It is no longer news that the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS met at an Extraordinary Session in Abuja on July 30, 2023.
We have been given the task of restoring democracy in the Republic of Niger and upholding relevant humanitarian principles throughout the region.
The lives of millions of people throughout the subcontinent will unavoidably be shaped by our choices. Our choices will have a significant impact on the ECOWAS region.
“Accordingly, the outcome of that meeting’s final communiqué is this extraordinary meeting. In order to accomplish this, we have gathered here today (yesterday) in our capacities as regional community members as well as leaders of our various armed forces.
“We are all affected by the events that took place in one of our countries on July 26, 2023, which have ripple effects across our borders.
“We are all extremely concerned about the political unrest in Niger. It imperils our shared goal of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa, which is impossible to realise in the midst of political unrest and disruptions to the rule of law.
“We are aware of the difficult challenges that lie ahead. The process of reestablishing democratic governance in Niger is rife with potential difficulties.
“We must use our collective knowledge, wisdom, and resolve to tackle the difficulties of restoring democratic governance in Niger. Our choices will have a significant impact on the ECOWAS region.
“Unity, shared values, and a commitment to democracy, peace, and prosperity are the pillars of ECOWAS.
